Entry by general practitioners to the general medical services scheme is by way of open competition and competitive interview for new posts, vacancies and assistant-with-a-view to partnerships posts. These competitions for posts are publicly advertised by the relevant health boards. The procedures governing entry are the subject of an agreement with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) which specifically addresses the criteria for filling vacancies and creating new posts; the consultation process in respect of new posts created and vacancies suppressed, recruitment of partners and assistants; and interviewing of applicants.
In arriving at a decision on the filling of a vacancy or the creation of a new post, health boards are required to take the following into account: the provision of a proper level of access to general practitioner services for patients; that patients have a reasonable degree of choice in selecting a practitioner; and that due regard is given, on the basis of agreed guidelines, to the question of the viability of practices in the area in question. The agreed procedures also provide for the composition of the interview board together with guidelines on a marking system to be used in assessing candidates at interview. Health boards are not in a position to amend or circumvent these nationally agreed entry procedures.