General Practitioner Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 April 2011

Tuesday, 12 April 2011

Questions (22)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

37 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health and Children the timetable for the delivery of a new general practitioner contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7546/11]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy Róisín Shortall)

The current General Medical Services (GMS) GP Capitation Contract was introduced in 1989 and is based on a diagnosis and treatment model. The Programme for Government provides for the introduction of a new GMS GP contract with an increased emphasis on the management of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. I would envisage that the new contract will also focus on prevention and will include a requirement for GPs to provide care as part of integrated multidisciplinary Primary Care Teams.

I have already asked the Department, in consultation with the HSE, to finalise proposals for a new contract. I have also asked the Department to explore how best to address the competition law issues that will need to be taken into account in introducing a new contract.