Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 December 2012
113. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the measures to date, throughout the past 18 months, by the State to reduce costs by dental practitioners and medical practitioners in our economy in response to our economic difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54676/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to GPs, regulations made in 2009 and 2010 under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 (FEMPI) reduced fees payable under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme; the Maternity & Infant Care Scheme; the Health (Amendment) Act 1996 (Hepatitis C patients); and the HeartWatch Programme, resulting in full year savings of approximately €78million. Regulations made in November 2011 reduced fees payable in respect of primary childhood immunisations (by 7.5%) and other immunisations, such as influenza and pneumococcal (by 33%), resulting in an estimated full year saving of €6.7million. Regulations made in 2009 and 2011 reduced fees payable to dentists who provide services under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme. In addition, funding for the Scheme has been capped at the 2008 level of €63million.
