asked the Minister for Health if he has carried out, at this point, an evaluation of cost to the State of changing the present system of payment of fee per patient rather than per visit and per prescription; if he will now supply Deputy Michael Keating with the factual information, based on information in his own Department, whether a Member of the Dáil has a right to such information, regardless of discussions or otherwise with professional organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Payment of Medical Fees.
181.
I can assure the Deputy that there is no question of his being refused any information to which he has a right. The position is that no detailed proposals on which precise costings can be based have yet emerged from the negotiations with the medical profession.
It would not be appropriate at this stage of the negotiations to speculate on the cost involved in the proposed change to a capitation system of payment.