Vol. 541 No. 2
567 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has recently received a report regarding the operation of the caredoc co-operative in Carlow-Kilkenny and the north-east doc scheme in the North Eastern Health Board area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22069/01]
I have received the evaluation report of the two pilot projects in the North Eastern and South Eastern Health Boards and in a press release dated 24 September I mentioned that I saw the development of general practice out of hours co-operatives as one way of meeting the need for appropriate out of hours care for patients at night, weekends and on public holidays. I highlighted this as an excellent example of what can be achieved through a partnership approach between the Department, health boards and general practitioners. I also drew attention to the fact that issues had been raised in the report which need to be resolved before the co-op model can be rolled out nationally.
