Written answers

Tuesday, 9 October 2018

Department of Health

General Practitioner Contracts

Photo of Brendan GriffinBrendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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310. To ask the Minister for Health if an organisation (details supplied) will be recognised in negotiations on the new GMS contract; the status of the new GMS contract negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40977/18]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Government is committed to engaging with the representatives of general practitioners on the development of a package of measures and reforms to modernise the 1989 GMS Contract.

Officials from my Department and the HSE met with the Irish Medical Organisation at the beginning of May to set out the State's position in relation to reform of the GMS contract.

Agreement on the delivery of service improvements and contractual reform has the potential to facilitate a substantial increase in the resourcing of general practice on a multi-annual basis. Engagement with GP representatives on contractual issues is expected to recommence in the coming weeks.

I have acknowledged that the National Association of General Practitioners is anxious to be involved in discussions about reform and I have indicated my willingness to consult with them on issues facing general practice.

Photo of Brendan GriffinBrendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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311. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the review of free general practitioner care contract for children under six years of age; when this review will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40982/18]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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A review of the GP Contract governing the provision of care to children under six years of age has not commenced. My first priority is the development of a package of measures and reforms to modernise the 1989 GMS Contract.

The goal is to develop a contractual framework that has a population health focus, providing in particular for health promotion, disease prevention and for the structured care of chronic conditions.

Agreement on the delivery of these much needed service improvements and contractual reforms has the potential to facilitate a substantial increase in the resourcing of general practice on a multi-annual basis as well as enabling GPs to better meet the needs of patients. Engagement with GP representatives on contractual issues is expected to recommence shortly.

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