Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 83: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take to address the high level of general practitioner fees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34707/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Consultation fees charged to private patients by general practitioners are a matter of private contract between the doctor and the patient. While I have no role in relation to such fees, I would expect general practitioners to have regard to the overall economic situation in setting their fees. My colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation has also called on providers of professional services in the private sector to adjust their fees in line with the reductions in fees of those providing such services in the public sector. I should add that general practitioners who hold General Medical Services contracts with the Health Service Executive must not seek or accept money from medical card or GP visit card holders in respect of routine treatment.