Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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238. To ask the Minister for Health in respect of the National Asthma Programme, if the resolution of the general practitioner contract negotiations will take place as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31170/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The Programme for Government provides for the introduction of a new General Medical Services (GMS) General Practitioner (GP) contract with an increased emphasis on the management of chronic conditions, such as asthma, diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. It is envisaged that the new contract, when finalised, will focus on prevention and will include a requirement for GPs to provide care as part of integrated multidisciplinary Primary Care Teams.

Officials in my Department are in consultation with the HSE with a view to drawing up a new contract. They are currently examining the changes that need to be made to the contract to facilitate the introduction of Universal Primary Care. There have also been preliminary discussions with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) to outline policy in relation to free GP care. I would expect to engage in further discussions with the IMO as the legislation progresses.