John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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641. To ask the Minister for Health the process and timeframe to introduce a new GMS contract which would facilitate the expansion of general practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10350/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The development of primary care is central to the Government's objective to deliver a high-quality, integrated and cost effective health service. The Programme for Government commits to a decisive shift within the health service towards primary care in order to deliver better care close to home in communities across the country. The development of a new, modernised contract for the provision of general practitioner services will be a key element in facilitating this process.

Previous engagements have resulted in a number of service developments including the introduction of a Diabetes Cycle of Care for adult GMS patients with Type 2 Diabetes, an enhanced support framework for rural GPs, and a revised list of special items of service under the contract to encourage the provision of more services in the primary care setting. These measures, combined with the under-6s and over-70s universal GP care initiatives, have increased the financial support for general practice.

The next phase of discussions on a new GP contract is under way and initial engagement with GP representative bodies began in January. As with any negotiation-type process, and given the range and complexity of the issues to be discussed, the engagement may take some time. While I am of course anxious to see good progress made, it is not my intention to set a deadline for completion of discussions.