asked the Minister for Health if he has any contingency plans to ensure that medical card holders receive treatment in the event of the resignation of doctors and pharmacists from the general medical services.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - General Medical Services.
46.
As the Deputy knows, I gave a lengthy reply last week to a parliamentary question, in the course of which I set out in detail the position regarding the difficulties which had arisen in the general medical services.
Meetings are currently being held with the medical organisations and the Pharmaceutical Union to discuss the existing difficulties. In the circumstances I would prefer not to make any further statement on this matter at present.
We appreciate, if there are delicate negotiations going on, it is better that we should refrain from querying the Minister about them at this stage, but can he give us an assurance that in any event there will be no breakdown in the general medical services because of the very great hardship and distress this would result in for so many people? Can we have an assurance that every effort will be made to reach a satisfactory conclusion as soon as possible?
I think the Deputy knows me as well as he knows anybody in the House and I will do everything I possibly can to ensure that the services are continued.
Can the Minister sound any note of optimism at this stage?
I have been optimistic on a great many occasions in politics. I have been both optimistic and pessimistic. I am neutral until there is a result.
Is the Minister trying hard?
He is. As I indicated, meetings are going on and I propose at 4 o'clock to meet another of the organisations.