John Perry
Question:191 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on correspondence (details attached). [31050/04]
View answerTuesday, 30 November 2004
Questions (148)
Written answers
Responsibility for the provision of services, including arrangements for access to general practitioner services for all persons deemed eligible for medical cards under the general medical services, GMS, scheme, lies, by legislation, with the chief executive officer of the relevant health board. Accordingly, this matter was referred to the North Western Health Board for investigation and direct reply to the Deputy.
Officials in my Department have been working with the regional health boards and the Irish College of General Practitioners to identify areas of difficulty for general practitioners providing services for patients who are non-EU nationals. In this regard additional funding of €1 million was allocated in 2004 by my Department to assist health boards address needs in this area. Within this allocation funding was also provided to allow the Irish College of General Practitioners to support their members through the continuation of the GP and Multicultural Society project. Officials in my Department have been in contact with the CEO of the health board with a view to resolving the situation.