Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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229. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to resolve the dispute between her Department and general practitioners over the recently introduced revised forms regarding illness benefit applications; if mediation has been offered to address the issue; if discussions are being held with an organisation (details supplied) on the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40373/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As part of its ongoing modernisation programme, the Department upgraded the Illness Benefit (IB) computer system. Part of that upgrade included redesigning the application form and medical certificate so they could be scanned into the computer system, thereby speeding up payments for customers and GPs alike.

My Department always endeavours to consult with stakeholders before making changes. On this occasion, we consulted with the Irish Medical Organization (IMO) - a longstanding representative body with a broad range of GPs in its membership. In addition, the Department has written to all contracting GPs, setting out the changes involved and will continue to communicate with all panel-holders as the new system beds in.

I want to assure the Deputy that we will continue to consult with the IMO under our Framework Agreement on a range of issues, including e-certification, closed certification and changes to forms.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.