Bernard Allen
Question:311 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of new general practitioner co-operatives he proposes to fund in 2002 and in 2003. [19330/02]
Written Answers. - General Practitioner Co-Operatives.
A total of €17.2 million was made available in 2002 under the heading of general practitioner co-operatives a portion of which went to each health board. As a result of the funding provided over the last three years there are now general practitioner co-operatives operating in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area and in five of the seven health board regions, of which the two cells of the co-operative in the Mid-Western Health Board commenced in 2002. Plans for the commencement of general practice out of hours co-operatives in the two remaining health board areas, the Midland and Western Health Boards, are at an advanced stage. All decisions in relation to the geographical areas to be covered by any expansion of the co-operatives and the order of their commencement are matters for the relevant health board to make, having due regard to the availability of funds and other issues involved.