Fergus O'Brien
Question:35 Mr. O'Brien asked the Minister for Health whether his Department has paid capital grants to GP's in order to develop the range of services available in the surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Capital Grants to General Practitioners.
From the inception of the General Medical Services scheme in 1972, there has been a provision for the payment of capital grants to General Practitioners in the scheme for purposes of improving their surgery facilities. However, the provision of such funding has always been subject to the availability of the necessary funds at health board level to meet the demands made.
I am concerned that health boards have not been in a position for some time to effectively address this issue.
In this context, I would point out that the Review of the General Medical Services doctors' contract is underway at present and I have made it a priority that the matter of capital investment in buildings and equipment will be comprehensively dealt with.
The Review is expected to be completed by the end of September this year.