Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Health (General Practitioner Service) Bill is being taken today in the House and Deputy Adams will have an opportunity to comment on it. Deputy Adams asked about GP contracts. I hope these contracts are accepted and that we move on with these necessary elements of the under-sixes, over-70s and under-11s before we can have universal health insurance.

I gave an indication of when the working group on the protection process would produce its report. I do not speak for Mr. Justice MacMahon, who has an extensive knowledge of all of the complexities involved. My understanding is that he expects to submit his final report to the Minister before the end of May. I know from speaking to him that the range of cases arising has been much more extensive than one might have imagined. I do not wish to speculate on the outcome but it will be debated in the House when the Minister publishes it. It is a matter of considerable importance. The answer to the Deputy's question is that it will be debated here.

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