Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 112: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the stage of the tender process for out-of-hours general practitioner services in north county Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35374/05]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 127: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to put out-of-hours services in other areas out to tender following from her decision to put the out of hours services in north Dublin out to tender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35380/05]

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 134: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if tenders for the out-of-hours services in north Dublin are at an advanced stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35409/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 112, 127 and 134 together.

The provision of quality, responsive, accessible and patient centred general practitioner out-of-hours services is a key priority objective within the primary care strategy. Between 2000 and 2005 almost €105 million has been allocated to the Health Service Executive, HSE, to allow for the development of out-of-hours co-operatives. This does not include the fees of the participating general practitioners. As part of the 2006 Estimates, I was pleased to provide an additional €16 million for further primary care services developments, including out of hours co-operatives which will mean that approximately 2.7 million people will have access to such services.

Decisions on the geographical areas to be covered by out-of-hours co-operatives and any expansion are decisions for the Health Service Executive to make, having regard to the strategic, financial and other issues involved. In advancing the primary care strategy objective for out-of-hours services consideration will be given by the HSE to all options which will meet service needs appropriately and effectively, including competitive tendering.

The provision of more general practitioner out-of-hours services is an important element of the ten point plan for accident and emergency services. The decision of the HSE to engage in a competitive public procurement process to put in place arrangements, intended to complement and enhance existing out-of-hours general practitioner services for the North Dublin area has my support. The HSE has advised that tenders have been received and are currently being evaluated.