Paul McGrath
Question:40 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Health the status of the promised initiative on the care of the elderly as announced by his predecessor; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Care of the Elderly.
As part of the agreement reached in November 1992 on the General Medical Services the Government made available a development fund in 1993 and 1994 out of which a number of initiatives have been taken this year. These include additional payments to general practitioners for improved rostering and out-of-hours arrangements; practice maintenance, equipment and development and additional payments towards the employment of practice nurses and secretaries. In addition general practice units have been established in each health board and my Department which have specific responsibility for identifying development needs in general practice. Arising from the work undertaken by these Units, I introduced a number of programmes for the care of terminally ill and children in deprived areas. I also made resources available in 1993 to enable individual health boards general practice units undertake pilot projects at local level, including projects for the care of the elderly. I will consider a wider initiative in this area in the context of the 1994 development fund and my Department will be having discussions with the Irish Medical Organisation on this issue.