Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 146: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress to date on introducing an out of hours general practitioner co-operative service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15425/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Funding for full out of hours co-operatives commenced in 2000. Between 2000 and 2004 a total of €72.882 million was allocated to the Health Service Executive for out of hours co-operatives nationally and in 2005 €31.98 million has been included in their baseline funding which includes €5.6 million in additional funding. These figures do not include the fees of the participating doctors.

All areas of the Health Service Executive have expanded their out of hours co-operatives and services since 2003. Co-operatives are now found in part of all areas of the Health Service Executive, providing coverage in part of all of the 26 counties. Decisions with respect to the geographical areas to be covered by co-operatives and any developments or expansions are for each area of the Health Service Executive to make, having regard to the service needs and the strategic, financial and other issues involved.