Edward Nealon
Question:60 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of the contingency plans he has made in the event of the withdrawal of GPs from (1) the general medical service and (2) the mother and child scheme.
Written Answers. - Withdrawal of GPs from GMS.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Review of the General Medical Services is in progress and I am hopeful that it will result in a better organised and cost effective general practitioner service.
I would point out that under the terms of the GMS contract at least three months notice of withdrawal must be given by participating doctors and no notice has been served to date by any of the general practitioners involved. In view of the fact that the Review is underway and given the stated commitment of both sides to this process, I am hopeful that the question of withdrawal from the GMS will not arise. In the event of such a situation arising, however, I am confident that an adequate service can be provided for eligible persons.
With reference to part (2) of the question regarding 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 and the need for contingency plans has been averted.