asked the Minister for Health his policy in respect of group practice; and the steps he has taken to give financial and administrative encouragement to such development.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Group Medical Practice Policy.
13.
Last year I established the Consultative Council on General Medical Practice to advise me in relation to the development of general medical practice. One of their specific tasks is to advise me on "the development of group practice and other joint arrangements and the conditions and facilities required for this".
At present, under the arrangements for the new general medical service, health boards are empowered to give grants of up of 50 per cent, subject to a maximum of £1,000, towards the provision of new practice premises for groups of three doctors participating in the scheme, with an increase of £250 in respect of each additional doctor in the practice. The normal grant which may be given to an individual participating practitioner is 25 per cent, subject to a maximum of £500.