Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister asked me whether I am aware of the relationship between her Department and the GPs - yes, I am - and who informed me that the GPs were told to get on with it - the GPs did. Given her Department has such a wonderful relationship with GPs, this is a pretty shoddy way to treat them, with respect. As Deputy Brady has said, there is an organisation that represents over 80% of GPs and has sought to consult directly with the Department, and for the life of me I cannot understand why the Department chooses to consult with an organisation representing 18% of GPs and refuses point-blank to consult with an organisation representing 82% of GPs. The Minister referred to "the vast majority" in response. The vast majority would be well over 50%. The information I got - and I got it in writing - is that, as of yesterday, 80% of GPs are still relying on the old forms and doing photocopies, etc.

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