Vol. 401 No. 4
229 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health if he will give details regarding the report, commissioned by his Department, by a person (details supplied) of the ESRI, into various factors of the GMS revised contract; the cost of the report; when it will be published; and the conclusions involved.
It was agreed by the parties who negotiated the new terms and conditions for doctors in the GMS that the first review would be preceded by a report on the financial consequences of the new payments system, to be prepared by an independent expert, and that the report would be given full consideration in the review.
Professor Gerry Sexton of the ESRI, was appointed to carry out this work and to submit his report to the review group. This independent financial assessment is strictly to assist the review process and is not for general publication.
The GMS review is now underway under the chairmanship of Mr. John Horgan, former Chairman of the Labour Court, and on completion Mr. Horgan will submit his recommendations to both parties.
The cost associated with Professor Sexton's work is determined on the basis of a daily rate. As the work has not yet been completed the precise cost involved is not yet known.
