asked the Minister for Health the changes, if any, he has introduced in the regulations in relation to the bilateral agreement on entry into the general medical service; the present position in relation to medical doctors who have served their five years and are now in accordance with that agreement, qualified to enter the services under such an agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - General Medical Service Entry.
13.
The Government indicated in the Budget Statement on 31 March that they had decided to restrict recruitment to the public service. Arising from that decision, health boards were informed on 23 April 1987 that no further posts were to be filled by them unless they decided it was essential to fill a post and the cost could be met from their financial allocation for 1987. Any such decision would require the consent of the Minister for Health and the Minister for Finance. These are the arrangements which currently apply to entry to the GMS.