Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

When will we have an opportunity to debate the Health (General Practitioner Medical Service) Bill, to allow free GP service for those under six years of age, even though it will be at the cost of discretionary medical cards for children over six? In the contract issued to GPs there is a gagging order, which will prevent them from advocacy, speaking out and articulating their views about the public health system. Why does the Government seem intent and determined to deny our GPs the right to free speech? When will the legislation be published?

It is an appalling provision. I do not know why the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources , Deputy Rabbitte is smiling. It is in the contract for GPs who have worked autonomously for many decades. They speak out on health matters, which is important in a democracy. There seems to be a continuing determination to prevent people, particularly in this context, GPs, from speaking out. That is wrong. The sooner we can discuss this Bill, the better.

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