Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Again, I can bring the Senator's representation on including this in budget 2024 to the Minister. From a humane perspective, there is huge merit in what the Senator has said. My understanding, from the statement today, is that the Department is bound by the GMS contract and the fact that GPs are private practitioners, most of whom hold a GMS contract with HSE for the provision of GP care without charges for medical and GP visit card holders.

The scope of services under the contract does not include all services that may be provided by general practitioners. As the Senator said, she is aware of all of this.. She is bringing this matter to the attention of the Seanad and me, in my capacity as Minister of State with responsibility for special education.I can bring back that to the Department and the Minister. The fact that Senator Maria Byrne brought it up in the past as well may have some value.