Michael Harty (Clare, Independent)
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453. To ask the Minister for Health the commitment required of a GMS doctor to fulfil a full GMS contract in regard to surgery hours and availability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11189/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The terms and conditions in relation to the availability requirements for GPs under the current GMS contract are set out in paragraph 10 of that contract.

Paragraph 10 states: ''The medical practitioner shall be routinely available for consultation by eligible persons at his approved surgery or surgeries and for domiciliary visiting for a total of 40 hours each week on five days or more in the week by agreement with the Health Service Executive. His/her hours of availability shall have regard to his/her patients' needs in the locality and he/she shall not amend them without the agreement of the Health Service Executive.''

GPs contracted under the GMS scheme must also make suitable arrangements to enable contact to be made with them, or a locum/deputy, outside normal practice hours for urgent cases.