Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 3

Written Answers. - General Medical Services List.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

314 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself with the way in which the South-Eastern Health Board initially attempted to reallocate a general medical services list in relation to the disposal of a deceased general practitioner's list in County Tipperary (details supplied); his views on the subsequent interview process and the composition of the interview board; his views on the decision of the South-Eastern Health Board to overturn the initial decision; the steps, if any, he is taking to ensure that procedures in this regard are fair and impartial; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12282/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

All general practitioner vacancies are considered by the community care subcommittee meetings of the South-Eastern Health Board. Whilst all options for the filling of the GP vacancy in County Tipperary were discussed, including the reallocation of the list amongst current GMS doctors, it was decided that the vacancy should be filled by open competition. The board ratified this decision. The chief executive officer selected the interview board, which comprised a representative of the IMO, a member of the board's senior management and an independent chairman. I am satisfied that the present procedures for GMS entry are equitable and that the South-Eastern Health Board complied fully with the guidelines in place when filling the vacancy.