I propose to take Questions Nos. 659, 699 and 759 together.
The Regulations governing changes to the Rural Practice Allowance Scheme were signed on the 5th May, 2016. These Regulations provide for the introduction of the new Rural Practice Support Framework, including a change in the qualifying criteria for rural support and an increase in the financial allowance, from €16,216 to €20,000 per annum. The Regulations also revise the list of Special Items of Service, which are made available to patients under the General Medical Services scheme.
The HSE will write to GPs shortly, outlining details of the new arrangements.