asked the Minister for Health whether the scales of payments made to general medical practitioners and midwives under the maternity and infant care services have been increased since they were originally introduced; if he will state the date of each increase; if favourable consideration is being given to increasing the payments; and, if so, when a decision may be expected.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Maternity and Infant Care Service Payments.
3.
Fees payable to medical practitioners in respect of maternity services provided for eligible persons under the Health Acts were increased in March, 1956 and, following negotiations with the Irish Medical Association, a revised scale of fees has been agreed in respect of births, abortions and miscarriages occurring after 30th June, 1964, with provision for a retrospective increase in respect of births, abortions and miscarriages occurring since 1st July, 1963.
The scale of fees payable to midwives was introduced in 1956. At present I am negotiating with the Irish Nurses' Organisation on the question of a revision of that scale. The organisation are now considering an offer for an increase, which includes provision for retrospection on the lines agreed in relation to maternity medical fees.