Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister's response simply outlines what has happened to date in relation to the service. The one thing that was missing from the reply was that while we met with Caredoc and NowDoc last Friday to discuss the service, there was no consultation with any service user on the changes that are taking place. It is outrageous that health services would envisage such a major change that changes the whole structure and functioning of this GP out-of-hours service without that consultation. The GPs have a contract to provide an out-of-hours service to their clients in a certain way, but they do not bother to consult with them in relation to it.

The service must be maintained as it is. The Minister refers to the call-out figures. If one looks at the numbers, it may not justify it, but what value are we going to put on the fact that one person could be saved? I have never had an accident driving my car, but it does not mean I stop wearing my seat belt. The service must be provided and security must be provided to the community. This must be figured into the consultation process that is taking place. I am sad to say it is lacking from the consultation so far. The service must be maintained, as must the confidence of the public in Donegal.

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