General Practitioner Contracts

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 October 2015

Thursday, 22 October 2015

Questions (62)

Niall Collins

Question:

62. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health when negotiations will open on a new general practitioner contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36576/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by the HSE, the Department of Health and the Irish Medical Organisation in February 2015, the parties commenced talks on a new GP contract and the talks are ongoing.

A priority of these discussions is the inclusion of chronic disease management for patients. As a first step in this process, agreement was reached on the introduction of a Diabetes Cycle of Care for adult patients with Type 2 Diabetes who hold a Medical Card or GP Visit Card. This service commenced on 1st October 2015.