Vol. 558 No. 6
135 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of general medical service posts filled in 2001 and to date in each health board region; the number of general medical service posts suppressed in those years in each health board region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25244/02]
I understand the Deputy is referring to GMS general practitioner posts. General practitioners may normally apply for inclusion in the scheme when a vacancy occurs as a result of the resignation or death of an existing contract holding doctor. Vacant posts are advertised in national newspapers. Doctors are independent contract holders and not employees of health boards.
Responsibility for the provision of medical services to medical card holders is, by legislation, the responsibility of the chief executive officer of the relevant health board. Since details, such as those requested by the Deputy, are not routinely collected by my Department the question has been referred to the chief executive officers of each of the health boards and the authority for investigation and direct reply.
