Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response. The stopping of the payments for these GPs since July has left some GP practices with potential financial issues. That is unfortunate. Confidence among GPs in practices is a major issue. Engagement is needed to address this issue. I raised this issue at the health board forum last Friday. We need to make sure the HSE deals directly with those GPs to find a solution. What is happening currently cannot continue. We could have up to 5,000 or 6,000 Covid cases in a few weeks' time and it makes no sense for GPs not to be paid for their work. It makes a laugh of the suggestion that we are all in this together. The Minister of State's involvement is welcome. It is important those GPs and the HSE have meaningful engagement to sort out this major issue for those communities.