Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

679. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the draft contact for supplying GP care to under six year olds; the proposed timeline for the implementation of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16709/14]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government is committed to introducing a universal GP service without fees, on a phased basis, within its term of office. As announced in the Budget, the Government has decided to commence the roll-out of universal GP services by providing all children under six years with access to a GP service without fees. The implementation of this measure will require primary legislation, which is expected to be published shortly. The aim is to have this measure in place by mid-year.

The introduction of this service also requires a new contractual framework to be put in place between the HSE and individual general practitioners. In this regard, a draft contract is currently the subject of a consultation process. While there has been some negative reaction to the draft contract, I am pleased that the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), the primary representative body for general practitioners, has confirmed that it is supportive of Government policy to introduce GP care free at the point of access, albeit conditional on the provision of adequate resources and full and meaningful negotiations with the IMO.

I have assured the IMO, most recently in a letter dated 26th March, that the Department and the HSE are fully prepared to engage meaningfully with them and are prepared to negotiate with them on all aspects of the scope and content of the proposed contract. I have also explained that there will be an opportunity for input from the IMO on the fee structure, which will be addressed by means of a complementary consultation process.

I trust that the IMO will accept this invitation to commence negotiations with the Department and the HSE. This will afford them the fullest opportunity to obtain clarification from the Department and the HSE on any aspect of the draft contract and to raise any other issues which they may have regarding it. A process of open discussion has the potential to significantly enhance the draft contract for patients, GPs, the HSE and the Department, thus helping to progress our common goal of free GP care at the point of access.