asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, he has to replace the fee-per-item system of payment for doctors and pharmacists under the general medical services, with a capitation system, thus saving considerable sums of money which could be used to maintain essential health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - General Medical Service Payment System.
20.
The report of the working party on the general medical services was published in August 1984. The report recommended wide-ranging changes, most notably enhancement and development of the scope of general practice and modification in the method of remunerating general practitioners who participate in the GMS scheme.
These recommendations were the subject of negotiations between the Department of Health and the Irish Medical Organisation, between December 1984 and May 1986. No agreement was reached on their implementation. I have arranged for the re-opening of discussions which I hope will be brought to a successful conclusion.