Brendan Smith
Question:16. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when he will reduce general practitioner remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57083/12]
View answerWednesday, 19 December 2012
Questions (16)
Written answers
On Budget Day, Dr. James Reilly T.D., Minister for Health announced that the fees/allowances payable to health professionals will be reviewed under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009.
The professionals concerned are General Practitioners, Pharmacists, Dentists, Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians who hold contracts with the HSE, Smeartakers contracted under the CervicalCheck programme and Consultant Psychiatrists who hold contracts with the Mental Health Commission.
The Minister has determined that a consultation process shall commence on 13 December 2012 and shall be completed by 11 January 2013. A press notice was placed in national newspapers on 13 December, inviting interested parties to provide written submissions to assist in deliberations on these matters. Further details are available on the Department’s website at www.doh.ie on the Public Consultations page.
The review shall encompass, but is not confined to, fees and allowances which have been reduced previously under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009.
When the review has been completed, the Minister for Health will make a decision on whether to reduce, or otherwise, the fees and allowances payable to the above health professionals, including General Practitioners. Where the Minister determines that fee adjustments should be applied, Regulations will be prepared to give effect to such adjustments.
Question No. 17 answered with Question No. 10.