Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Government is committed to engaging with GP representatives on the development of modernised contractual arrangements. 

Talks between the State and the Irish Medical Organisation resumed in October 2018 are continuing. The focus of the current phase of the talks is on developing a range of modernisation, reform and sustainability measures and the development of a chronic disease programme.

While some progress is being made, there are a number of outstanding issues that need to be progressed before any agreement can be secured.  The State’s negotiating team is keen to bring matters to a conclusion; however, any agreement must substantially benefit patients and provide value for money for the taxpayer.

Agreement on the delivery of service improvements and contractual reform would facilitate a very substantial increase in the resourcing of general practice on a multi annual basis.

In line with the long-established approach to such processes, and by agreement of the parties concerned, I am not in a position to give further details while engagement between the parties is under way.