Bernard Allen
Question:297 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there are delays in the payment of bonus fees under the immunisation scheme; and the reason some fees are unpaid dating back to 1998. [7800/02]
Written Answers. - Vaccination Programme.
The payment of fees to general practitioners under the primary childhood immunisation programme is a matter for the health boards. Under the programme contracting general practitioners are entitled to bonus payments for each calendar year where they achieve a 95% uptake in respect of the cohort of children on their panel who reach their second birthday during that year. This payment is due within three months following the calendar year in which uptake levels are calculated.
Bernard Allen
Question:298 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the review of workload of the general practitioner primary immunisation scheme, due to be completed by summer 2001, has still not been published. [7801/02]
In 2001, following negotiations with the Irish Medical Organisation in relation to the primary childhood immunisation programme, it was agreed to carry out a review of the GP workload under the programme. This review was to be carried out in the context of the broader review of general practice which has now been further developed in the new primary care strategy –"Primary Care – A New Direction".
Officials of my Department recently met representatives of the Irish Medical Organisation and the Health Services Employers Agency to discuss this matter. It was agreed that the immunisation workload review would now proceed as an independent review. The terms of reference of the review and the appointment of an independent evaluator are to be agreed as a matter of urgency.
Officials of my Department recently met with representatives of the Irish Medical Organisation concerning the issue of outstanding bonus payments and agreed to take the matter up with the health boards. While some health boards have indicated that they are experiencing difficulties in the calculation and payment of bonus payments, I understand that they are currently addressing these difficulties. My Department recently wrote to the boards indicating that it is imperative that any outstanding bonus payments are processed and paid as a matter of urgency.