asked the Minister for Health the reason his Department have not implemented a new VHI scheme for general practice treatment which was to be introduced in early 1988, as indicated in a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - General Practice Treatment Scheme.
43.
The Deputy will be aware of the budget provision that withholding tax be applied to payments to hospital consultants' on foot of inpatient treatments. VHI staffing resources are heavily committed at present rearranging payment systems to implement this budget requirement. As soon as the withholding tax issue has been disposed of proposals regarding the comprehensive general practitioner and out-patient expenses scheme will be progressed as rapidly as possible.