Vol. 448 No. 2
14 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Health if he has received a new set of nominations from the Irish College of General Practitioners and the Irish Medical Organisation for the new Consultative Council of General Practice; if so, if they meet the Department's gender requirements; when the Council will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1679/95]
Limerick East): My predecessor agreed to establish a National Council for General Practice, the functions and composition of which were agreed with the Irish College of General Practitioners and the Irish Medical Organisation. Nominations were received from each of the groups invited to participate in the work of the council, including the Irish College of General Practitioners and the Irish Medical Organisation. However, it was not possible to proceed with the establishment of the council as the nominations did not satisfy Government policy in relation to gender balance. I am prepared to establish the council as soon as this important issue is resolved and in this connection my Department is awaiting nominations from both these organisations which meet this criterion.
