Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The increase in prescription charges will have an impact on the extent of prescribing that has been ongoing by GPs throughout the country. The trends are clear in that regard.

I refer Deputy Halligan to the budget day announcement of the review of fees and allowances payable to health care professionals. They include general practitioners, pharmacists, dentists, ophthalmologists, optometrists and dispensing opticians who hold contracts with the HSE. The Minister decided that a consultation process would commence on 13 December 2012 and would be completed by 11 January 2013. Health professionals were invited to make written submissions to the Department and the Minister. The review will encompass, but is not confined to, fees and allowances which have been reduced previously under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest, FEMPI, Act 2009. The consultation process ended on 11 January. When the Department has considered the various points raised in the submissions, the Minister, taking into account the requirements under the FEMPI Act, will determine what fees and allowances should be reduced and by how much, after which the rates will be set out in regulations. I am aware of the point Deputy Halligan raised and a resolution is already in train following a decision made in the budget that is currently being implemented in terms of submissions received by the Minister for Health.

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