Helen Keogh
Ceist:55 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to introduce an early retirement scheme for general medical service doctors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9914/95]
Written Answers. - GMS Doctors Retirement Scheme.
Limerick East): Since the introduction of the capitation contract for doctors participating in the general medical services scheme in March 1989, a doctor who enters a contract with a health board for the provision of services under the scheme must retire at 65 years of age. Doctors who held contracts prior to that date and who continue to work in the scheme may remain in the service until age 70.
On independent contractors providing services on behalf of the State for 36 per cent of the population covered by medical cards, superannuation arrangements are a matter for the individual doctor concerned. The 1989 GMS contract provides for a State contribution toward a superannuation scheme for GMS doctors which is operated by the Irish Medical Organisation and there are no plans to change these arrangements.