Vol. 419 No. 6
242 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on his reported plans to head off the industrial action by the country's GPs; and whether there are plans to make concessions on both the mother and child scheme and the GMS arbitration award.
As the Deputy may be aware, a review of the General Medical Services contract has recently commenced. I have already announced my acceptance of the arbitration finding on G.M.S. doctors fees and also the Arbitrator's suggestion that the question of implementation be dealt with in the context of G.M.S. Review. Given the stated commitment of both sides to the review process, I am hopeful that the question of withdrawal from the G.M.S. will not arise.
As regards the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme, discussions between my Department and the Irish Medical Organisation have taken place and as a result the impasse has been resolved.
