Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2016
488. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health the number of general practice surgeries; the towns and villages where they are located in County Meath currently participating under the rural practice allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11695/16]
View answer489. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health when he will make promised changes under the rural practice allowance scheme, and the towns and villages in County Meath that will benefit. [11696/16]
View answer490. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health why his Department discontinued the participation of a town (details supplied) under the rural practice allowance scheme. [11697/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 488 to 490, inclusive, together.
The Regulations governing changes to the Rural Practice Allowance Scheme were signed on the 5 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 is currently carrying out a due diligence exercise to identify those practice units which will qualify for supports under the Rural Practice Support Framework and this will be the subject of further correspondence with relevant GPs in the coming weeks.
With regard to the Deputy's questions in relation to specific areas, I am referring these to the HSE for direct reply as these are matters for the HSE. If you have not received a response within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
