Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for her question. As she is aware, preparations for the implementation of the termination of pregnancy services are at an advanced stage. I welcome that the House passed the Bill through Second Stage, which is crucial, as is ensuring that the services will be ready to be put into operation. As the Deputy is aware, it is envisaged that most terminations up to nine weeks of pregnancy will take place in the community setting. Several medical practitioners have expressed an interest in providing termination of pregnancy services. The Deputy heard the evidence of representatives of the Irish College of General Practitioners in that regard to the Joint Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution. Officials in my Department and the HSE are drafting contractual proposals for the provision of these services. It is intended that the contract will be available to qualified medical practitioners who wish to provide the services as well as organisations that provide women’s health services. It is vital that we have safe, accessible, woman-centred termination of pregnancy services in place by January 2019 and the Government has provided additional resources in the recent budget to ensure that will be done.

More generally, engagement is due to recommence tomorrow with GP representatives on a package of measures including service improvements and reform to the general medical services, GMS, contract. I recognise that GPs, like very many people, suffered additional burdens and costs during the financial recession. I wish to move to a situation where their careers and operation in the community are far more sustainable. I have reached agreement with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Donohoe, on a multi-annual investment programme in general practice and I am delighted that representatives of the IMO will meet officials of my Department to try to make progress on this. We have set a deadline of the end of the year for progress. That relates to the Deputy's broader point on the sustainability of general practice as we ask GPs to take on new services.

Specifically on the provision of termination services, my Department and the HSE are drafting contractual proposals in that regard. We will resource general practice to provide the services. As I consistently stated during the referendum campaign, it is important to note that this will not in any way overwhelm the Irish health service. That possibility is not often raised in the context of other conditions or GP attendances.

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