Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 July 2018
477. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when further discussions will take place with representatives of general practitioners in relation to the GMS contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32145/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraReform of the GMS contract will enable GPs to better meet the needs of their patients while promoting general practice as a viable and rewarding career for both existing doctors and future medical graduates. Agreement on the delivery of service improvements and contractual reform has the potential to facilitate a substantial increase in the resourcing of general practice on a multiannual basis.
Officials from my Department and the HSE met with the Irish Medical Organisation at the beginning of May to set out the State's position in relation to reform of the GMS contract. The Department subsequently wrote to the IMO setting out these proposals formally. While officials remain available for further discussion, the Organisation has yet to respond.
In line with the long-established approach to such processes, and by agreement of the parties concerned, I am not in a position to give further details at this stage.
