asked the Minister for Health if there are two contracts in operation for the General Medical Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - General Medical Service Contracts.
45.
On 27 February last I wrote to the chief executive officers of health boards conveying my approval to the acceptance of proposals received from medical practitioners for the provision of services under section 58 of the Health Act, 1970 in accordance with the new terms and conditions agreed with representatives of the profession and informing them that such new terms and conditions will be effective as and from 1 March 1989.
Chief executive officers have written to medical practitioners who returned signed contracts informing them of the board's acceptance. In some cases these acceptances are subject to the satisfactory clarification of specific issues, before 16 March next. The number of doctors returning signed contracts is approximately 1,430 out of 1,575 issued by the boards.
Doctors who did not return contracts retain their existing terms and conditions. For the present, therefore, a second contract will apply to a minority of participating doctors. I will be reviewing their position after 16 March next. The Deputy will be aware that the implications of the possible outcome of my review of that position are currently before the High Court.