Vol. 526 No. 6
266 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will outline any sanction given to the Eastern Regional Health Authority of a payment scheme for the doctor members of the authority to engage locums while attending meetings; the plans he has to apply any new scheme to the non-medical members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27361/00]
An agreement between my Department and the Irish Medical Organisation dealing with arrangements for the provision of services under section 58 of the Health Act, 1970, provides that locum allowances will be paid in respect of attendance by general practitioners at meetings of statutory bodies. Accordingly, general practitioners who provide services under the general medical services scheme are entitled to locum expenses incurred by reason of their attendance at meetings of the Eastern Regional Health Authority.
I have no plans to extend the arrangements relating to locums to other members of the authority. These members are entitled to normal travel and subsistence payments for attendance at meetings of the authority in accordance with public sector norms.
