Máirín Quill
Ceist:18 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Health if he has any plans to introduce monitoring of the new practice development grants which his Department is paying out to GPs.
Written Answers. - Medical Practice Development Grants.
I presume the Deputy is referring to the agreement of November 1992 with the Irish Medical Organisation in relation to the provision of services under section 58 of the Health Act, 1970 and to the development of general practice.
An integral feature of the agreement is that there will be a full commitment by all parties to the development of a better organised and more cost-effective general practice service with particular attention being paid to the achievement of responsible and economic prescribing.
A fund has been established out of which specific payments are being made for developments in general practice, including payments to GMS doctors towards practice maintenance, equipment and development. A health board is entitled to satisfy itself that practice premises meet the criteria laid down in the GMS contract. The agreement also provides for the establishment of general practice units in each health board area. These units which are currently being established will have responsibility for all aspects of general practice and will have a specific role in monitoring the implementation of the new agreement.