Vol. 476 No. 1
61 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself with the procedures for entry to the general medical service; the proposals, if any, he has to amend or change such procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6413/97]
Limerick East): I presume that the Deputy is referring to the matter of entry by doctors to the General Medical Services (GMS) scheme. Entry by doctors to the GMS Scheme is by way of open competition for vacancies which arise, new posts which are created or for posts of assistant with a view to partnership.
The arrangements relating to entry to the scheme have been agreed with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) and they are designed to ensure that a high standard of service will be provided by doctors who are successful in securing contracts.
The provisions of the GMS contract are regularly reviewed by the Department, the chief executive officers of the health boards and the IMO and, arising out of this process, agreement was reached last year on revised arrangements relating to entry to the scheme. These revised arrangements provide for a consultation process between the health boards and the IMO in advance of decisions being taken in relation to the filling of posts. They also provide guidelines on assessing the viability of posts, the establishment of interview boards and marking system for candidates. There are no plans to change these revised arrangements.
