Earlier this year a small primary care task force, drawn from the Department and the health boards, was established. In line with the role set out for this group in the strategy, it has responsibility for driving the implementation of the changes and developments set out in the model. A national primary care steering group has also been established. All the key stakeholders are represented on this body which will give guidance on the key elements of the implementation plan. There is also scope for the steering group to have a significant input into the development of the implementation plans. Earlier this month the Minister for Health and Children gave approval to the first ten primary care implementation projects, with funding totalling €8.4 million being provided for this purpose in 2002 and 2003.