Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)

I agree with the Deputy's point about the marking system. Changes in that marking system are at an advanced stage in order that preference is not given to the individuals as she suggested, and that is only fair. I have been informed there could be 400 or 500 GPs. The data suggest it is probably close to 500. There are a total of 2,600 GPs in active practice, 300 doctors are working in a locum capacity and 2,100 have a GMS contract. This means there is a gap of 500 GPs and I want those individuals to have access to a GMS contract. There is an agreement between the Department of Health and Children, the IMO and the HSE - previously the health boards - which precludes that. I have sought the advice of the Attorney General. Under the Croke Park agreement we hope to be able to reach agreement on some of these issues. This would involve the change of the contract in this case.

The Competition Act is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe. Any changes to competition law are a matter for him and not for my Department.

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