Bernard Allen
Ceist:384 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will give details of the agreement reached with the IMO concerning the fees paid for attendance by doctors in Garda stations. [3117/00]
Written Answers. - Medical Service.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:385 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the fees paid to GPs and consultants per day for court attendance and the allowances paid for locum appointments. [3118/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 384 and 385 together.
Negotiations between the Irish Medical Organisation and officials of my Department in relation to claims for increases in all fees for medico-legal work conducted by GPs on behalf of the Garda Síochána and restructuring of the relevant fee schedules were concluded in late December.
With effect from 1 December 1999, the basic fee for doctor attendance at a Garda station is £50 between 9 a.m and 5 p.m and £80 between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. Previously, the fees ranged between £25.09 and £63.33 depending on the time of call-out. The higher rate of £80 is paid for duty on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Additional fees are payable where the doctor is required to examine more than one patient – £30 and £55 for office and out-of-office hours, respectively. The higher rate of £55 is paid for examinations on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
The revised fees for court attendance by GPs on behalf of the Garda Síochána, also effective from 1 December 1999, are £200 for half-day attendance and £400 for full day attendance. Previously, the fees ranged between £55.89 and £123.64 depending on the number of hours absence from home. In addition, where a doctor is required to employ a locum while in court, he is entitled to claim vouched expenses up to a limit of £75 for a half-day or £150 for a full day.
Court attendance by consultants generally, arises in relation to civil cases and the fixing of fees for such attendance is a matter for the Office of the Chief State Solicitor and Law Society. I have no role in the matter.