Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I look forward to working with the Minister in the coming months and for however long this Dáil lasts. My intention and that of Fianna Fáil is to work with the Government on the issue of healthcare where we can, although, as I am sure the Minister will appreciate, we will robustly hold him to account where we believe there is not sufficient action being taken. I certainly extend the hand of co-operation to the Minister and the Government. There is obviously much important work to be done across the country in the area of healthcare, with much of which we agree in terms of what needs to change. One of the areas in which there is a need for change is general practice. The GP group has reached tipping point. We are all aware of the very serious challenges being faced by patients in the community and GPs who, financially and in terms of having a work-life balance, are under enormous stress. Many are leaving the profession. There are numerous challenges. A key component in fixing this problem is beginning negotiations on a new GP contract as soon as possible. Will the Minister report on progress in getting the negotiations under way?

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