Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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171. To ask the Minister for Health if she will review the policy that requires GPs to prioritise GMS obligations, as this creates discrimination against individuals who do not qualify for GMS assistance, and limits GPs' capacity to provide private services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64068/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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GPs are private practitioners, most of whom hold a GMS contract with the HSE for the provision of GP services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. As GPs are private practitioners, the scheduling of consultations is a matter for each individual practice. Where scheduling is required, GPs prioritise appointments based on urgency and health need.

The GMS contract sets out the requirements for GPs in dealing with patients who hold Medical Cards or GP Visit Cards. Under the terms of the contract GPs are not permitted to make surgery arrangements that discriminate between GMS patients and private patients.