Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for the comprehensive reply. I know the negotiations are ongoing and I understand progress is being made. Do we have any guideline on whether any aspect of the contract can be concluded? I do not want to tie down the Minister of State on this. I suppose the big problem is that GPs are dealing with such uncertainty at the moment. Is there any way that a timeline might be set so that some part of the contract, at least, can be finalised and put into place? I am aware that the contract which is currently in place is over 40 years old. I understand that the process of negotiation is very detailed. Is there anything we can put into place to encourage and help GPs in rural practices?