Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 2

Written Answers. - General Medical Service.

Liz McManus

Question:

92 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children his response to concerns expressed by general practitioners at the extension of the General Medical Service to all persons over 70 years of age; his intentions in relation to extending the General Medical Service to under fives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3409/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

My Department has formally invited, through the Health Services Employers' Agency, the Irish Medical Organisation to discussions to ensure the timely and effective introduction of the budget commitment, in an agreed manner, and the first of these meetings took place this week.

The issue of extending the medical card eligi bility criteria is one of many issues under regular consideration in the context of providing an optimum medical service to the public. The whole question of eligibility arrangements for health services generally will be considered in the context of preparing the new health strategy. As part of that process, there will be an opportunity for objective analysis of and full consultation on any changes that may be proposed. The issue of extending eligibility to the GMS for children will be considered in this context.