Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 196: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to extend the general practitioner out-of-hours service nationwide to ensure that patients can be seen within one hour of their calls; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18314/08]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 199: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to introduce improved supports for general practitioners who work in remote and disadvantaged communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18317/08]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 226: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to examine the compulsory retirement age of 65 for GMS contract holders in the context of social partnership; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18345/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 196, 199 and 226 together.

Out-of-hours co-operatives allow general practitioners to put in place arrangements to provide services to their patients, while their surgeries are closed in the evenings, on weekends and bank holidays. The development of GP co-operatives is in line with the overall health service policy of strengthening primary care services and ensuring that to the greatest extent possible, people's care needs are met in the primary care setting.

Out-of-hours co-operatives are now in place in all Health Service Executive (HSE) areas, providing coverage in all or in part of all counties. The HSE, which has the operational and funding responsibility for this service, has advised that almost €37 million is available to fund the operation of GP out-of-hours services in 2008. This figure does not include the fees of the participating doctors.

A review of the GMS and other publicly funded schemes involving general practitioners is being conducted by the HSE. The review will have regard to the relevant commitments in the Programme for Government.

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 197: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to improve general practitioner cover by developing primary health centres in socially deprived areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18315/08]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 198: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to ensure that there is a primary care team serving every community, with particular reference to new and rapidly growing areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18316/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 198 together.

Under the Health Act 2004, the management and delivery of health and personal social services is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. This includes operational responsibility for the establishment of Primary Care Teams. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.