Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

That is the situation at present. That has to change and we have to stop talking about it. We need to move ahead and take action on this. It is understandable that existing GPs who have invested heavily in their practices and premises should be protected, but it does not mean that should be the standard model for everybody.

The Minister needs to introduce that flexibility. That can be done quickly. The contract is very much out of date. We need to start the work to update the contract, but that should not hold up other progress. There is a need for facilitation of GPs to come into primary care centres. Currently, that is not being facilitated because of ridiculous rows about paying rent. We should be bringing in as many GPs as possible. We should also have salaried GPs and contracts where GPs, especially women, can work part time. These are all issues that need to be dealt with quickly. The Minister can deal with them quickly. Will he undertake to meet with the ICGP within the next two to three weeks to discuss its proposals for the working group which will be representative of all stakeholders? Will the Minister please do that? They have plenty of good ideas. They know the issues thoroughly. Will the Minister sit down with the ICGP?

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