Decisions in relation to general practitioners posts under the general medical services scheme are a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board.
I understand that the North Western Health Board has examined the general practitioner manpower issue in Ardara and I have been informed that a post of assistant with a view to partnership has been approved for the general practitioners in the area who is participating in the general medical services scheme. Arrangements are currently in train to fill this post. The board has assured me that, in the interim, it has put in place satisfactory locum arrangements to ensure that general practitioner services are available to the local population.