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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 6

Written Answers - General Medical Service.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

211 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the procedures, if any, for general practitioner entry to the General Medical Service; his views on the equity of these procedures; the proposals, if any, he has to amend the entry procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4909/98]

Entry by doctors to the GMS scheme is by way of open competition for vacancies, new posts and assistant with a view to partnership posts.

The arrangements governing entry, which have been agreed with the Irish Medical Organisation are designed to ensure that successful applicants are able to provide the high and professional level of service required under the scheme. In that regard, they provide, inter alia, for guidelines on such matters as assessing the viability of posts, the establishment of interview boards and a marking system for evaluating candidates. They also provide for prior consultation between the health boards and the IMO in advance of any decision being taken on the matter of whether a post is to be filled. I am satisfied that the present procedures for GMS entry are equitable and have no plans, at present, to amend them.

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