Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I welcome what the Minister said and urge that prescription validity be written on prescriptions immediately. No reason exists to delay it. The sooner it is done the better and the matter can be solved quickly.

People are unhappy about the key money aspect and I cannot blame them. Perhaps the actions of the private sector are a reflection of the void which exists at present. During my 30 years on the planet, doctors have changed a great deal. We used to have one doctor in a surgery working on his or her own. Now they work in groups and have expanded services. Nationally, we encourage them to introduce other services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy to have a one-stop shop. It is important we provide incentives and assistance.

The value of property has gone through the roof. In Carlow, even a basic small unit costs €500,000 if not more. A general practitioner starting off will have major costs and will pass these on to the patients. The advantage of a primary care team is that if three or four people go in together, it will lessen the financial burden which will be reflected in patients' fees.

Regarding the matter raised by Senator Henry, it is important to state the GPs planning to go into the Touchstone centre will have no economic link with the pharmacy. As far as I understand it, Touchstone will obtain the money directly from the pharmacy and other services in the area.