andDr. O'Connell asked the Minister for Health whether, in order to improve the quality of general practitioners available to the public, he has considered the establishment of a consultant grade GP recommended in the Todd Report; and if he intends to take whatever steps are open to him to institute a similar inquiry, or to act on the recommendations made in that report in order to achieve that objective.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - GP Consultants.
20.
Dr. Browne
The recommendations made in the report of the Royal Commission on Medical Education, called the Todd Report, are comprehensive in their application to the entire field of under-graduate and post-graduate medical education. The implications of the report for the future of medicine in this country are of exceptional importance and require careful study and wide consultation. As the Minister for Health, I am essentially concerned with post-graduate medical education and it is much too early as yet to issue any pronouncements on the lines of the Deputies' question. All I can now say is that the report is being studied and preliminary consultations have been initiated.
21.
Dr. Browne
andDr. O'Connell asked the Minister for Health whether consultant medical or surgical personnel are employed by local authorities; if so, how many; whether payment is made on a fee per service or sessional basis; and if on a sessional basis, the fee for any such session.
The answer to the first part of the question is "Yes"; the number is 169. The normal arrangement for hospital appointments is that they are on a salaried basis. Where salaried appointments are not made, remuneration is on a sessional basis.
The standard fee is £8 per three-hour session.