Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle. The programme for Government contains a commitment to increase capacity in primary care services in a shift away from hospitals, as referred to by the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly. In recent months there has been a shift towards online consultations with GPs. A review of that practice has been carried out in the United Kingdom. People have been inappropriately prescribed drugs without an adequate history being taken and without a physical examination. Will the Department of Health mirror what is happening in the United Kingdom in that regard? It is a patient safety issue for those who have online consultations and are inappropriately prescribed drugs when they could have a severe medical problem.

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