asked the Minister for Health the consultations he had with representatives of the doctors, pharmacists and nurses unions and other interested bodies before the announcement of cutbacks in the health services.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Health Services Cutbacks.
114.
The Government decided, in the light of the financial returns that it was necessary to save £12 million in the health services. As soon as this decision was taken it was notified to the health agencies and to the professional bodies concerned. Following the Government's decision to remove items from the GMS, I had discussions with representatives of the medical, nursing and pharmaceutical organisations and of the pharmaceutical industry. As a result of these discussions I arranged to defer the implementation of the decision by one month and I extended the list of non-prescription medicines to be retained in the GMS scheme. I have invited the organisations concerned to advise me of their member's experiences of the operation of the new arrangements.