asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the public concern at recent revelations on an RTE Radio 1 programme that certain doctors in the general medical scheme were operating in contravention of the rules of that scheme in that they accepted money from holders of medical cards; if he will issue a directive to all health boards and doctors in this scheme expressly forbidding such practices; and if he will direct that a notice to this effect be published in the surgeries of all doctors in the general medical scheme.
Written Answers. - Doctors' Breach of Contract.
103.
I am aware of the recent allegations to which the Deputy refers. It is, of course, an explicit breach of their contract for doctors to seek or accept payment from GMS patients. The Mid-Western Health Board are currently investigating the allegations made on the radio programme, in so far as their area is concerned. I would urge any person with knowledge of this practice to contact the appropriate health board who will then initiate disciplinary procedures. I propose to have consultations with the health boards on the practice to which the Deputy refers and I will bear the Deputy's suggestion in mind.