Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 347: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the range of financial and other assistance and remunerations available to general practitioners from his Department, other Departments and associated agencies; the increases in such assistances and remunerations since 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22403/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I can inform the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service currently employs 18 General Practitioners — 3 full-time and 15 part-time — as Prison Doctors in its 14 institutions nationwide. The current remuneration based on a 39 hour week is €119,646 per annum at 1 December, 2004. In addition an on call allowance of €5,202 per annum is paid.

While the figures for 1997 are not readily available, the corresponding remuneration figures at 1 July, 1998 and later dates are as follows: 1 July, 1998 — £41,441 per annum — £2,727 on call allowance; 1 April, 2001 — £45,717 per annum — £3,008 on call allowance; 1 October, 2001 — £48,231 (€61,241) per annum — £3,174 (€4,030) on call allowance; 1 July, 2004 — €117,300 per annum — €5,100 on call allowance; 1 December, 2004 — €119,646 per annum — €5,202 on call allowance.

In relation to the Gardaí, the Garda authorities have informed me that An Garda Síochána do not directly employ any general practitioners. However, payments are made for services rendered and these rates are regularly reviewed in consultation with the Irish Medical Organisation, on behalf of the general practitioners, and my Department.