John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 62: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if all suitably qualified general practitioners who have patients over 70 years of age who become entitled to medical cards for the first time, are offered limited GMS contracts; the specified periods after which such general practitioners become eligible for full GMS contracts and will be able to provide services to any medical card patient who might choose to be included on their patient panel list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28490/05]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 63: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in view of her commitment to increasing competition, all suitably qualified general practitioners will be offered GMS contracts. [28491/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 63 together.

The agreement reached in 2001 by the Department of Health and Children with the general practitioner representative organisation, the Irish Medical Organisation, IMO, for the introduction of automatic eligibility to medical cards for people aged over 70, required GPs to have successfully graduated from an approved GP vocational training programme or to possess acquired rights as per EU Directive 93/16 and to have been in general practice for one whole year prior to 1 July, 2001. The agreement also provided that GPs holding contracts under these provisions would qualify for full general medical service, GMS contracts after five years. However, if the GP was a member of a registered partnership that was reduced to two years, provided he or she remained in the partnership for two years. Qualified GPs may apply to the Health Service Executive, HSE, for contracts to provide services to their patients who have reached 70 years and qualify for medical cards under the terms of this agreement.

With regard to full GMS GP contracts, these detail the terms under which contract holders provide services to medical card holders under the GMS scheme. These terms were the subject of agreement between the Department of Health and Children and the IMO. The contract provides that where a new post is created or a vacancy arises, that is, through the resignation, retirement or death of an existing GP, the HSE is required to place advertisements in the national and medical newspapers inviting applications from suitably qualified doctors. Open interviews are held and the successful candidate is offered the post.

Recently a review of the GMS GP contract and other publicly funded GP services has commenced under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission. This review is intended to be a fundamental and comprehensive review into all aspects of GP provided public services.