asked the Minister for Health if he will indicate the results of the negotiations with the medical profession on the method of payment of doctors under the new health scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Payment of Doctors.
49.
I am not yet in a position to add to my reply of 28th May, 1968, to a similar question by the Deputy.
Has the Minister any comments to make on the statement in the papers that negotiations have broken down?
Anonymous reporters quoting anonymous and, I suspect, fictitious spokesmen should not either encourage or discourage responsible comment.
Is the Minister aware that the two bodies concerned in the negotiations had a joint meeting at which it was stated that negotiations had broken down? Is he aware they have no further reference in this matter and no further discussions about the matter with the Minister? Is he further aware that the country at large is very concerned at the delay in the implementation of the measures in the White Paper which are dependent on the results of the negotiations which have been dragging on in secrecy for so long? Will he indicate when these negotiations will conclude to the satisfaction of both sides and in the interests of the country?
Would the Deputy kindly indicate which of those 20 questions he would like me to answer?
I will give them one by one to the Minister if he wishes. I would like him to indicate if he is aware that at a joint meeting of the Irish Medical Association and the Medical Union, it was stated that negotiations had broken down. Is he aware of this fact and will he make a denial?
I am not so aware. I do not know what goes on at the meetings of the Irish Medical Association and of the Medical Union. That is their business.
Is the Minister not aware that they are negotiating with him, that they are the other parties in these negotiations?
I have told the Deputy previously that the discussions are still going on. I have nothing further to add.
Is the Minister——
This discussion cannot go on all evening.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I intend to ask your permission, Sir, to raise it on the Adjournment next week.
The Deputy will have to give notice of his intention to do so next week.