asked the Minister for Health the results of his negotiations with the medical profession on the method of payment of doctors.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Payment of Doctors.
103.
The negotiations are still in progress and I am not yet in a position to make a statement about them.
How long have the discussions been in progress? Will the Minister take into consideration the adamant attitude taken by the medical profession in rejecting the capitation system? Will he say if it is still his intention to force on the profession a capitation system?
In regard to the first part of the Deputy's question, the Deputy knows more than anybody in the House that the discussions have been going on regularly during a considerable time. On the second part of the question, the Deputy must appreciate that no Minister for Health has been more amenable than me in regard to suggestions coming from the medical profession. As I have said, I am not now, and never have been, trying to force the profession to accept anything. We have been able to achieve results by discussion to date and I am more than hopeful we shall be able to do so until the negotiations have finished which will be very soon.
How soon?
Obviously I cannot be concerned with items of mere detail, but I understand that the isolation of the area, or areas, in connection with which I would be required to meet the representatives of the profession is almost completed and I would hope, therefore, that one further meeting within the next month should suffice.
Will the Minister be able to make a statement to the House then?
Immediately, yes. I shall be very pleased to be able to do so.
I suppose we may take it that, when negotiations are cleared with the doctors and the NFA, we will be ready for the midnight ride to the Park.
I am not concerned with the NFA.
No, but the Minister is getting the road ready.