Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1545. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he has engaged with general practitioner representative bodies regarding the fees to be paid for the provision of abortion services; his plans to introduce a mandatory set fee in the event of an inability to reach agreement with general practitioner representatives on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33350/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government intends to introduce safe, accessible and patient-centred termination of pregnancy services on 1 January 2019.
Work is continuing on the legislation and planning for the implementation of these new services.
As is appropriate and correct, initial engagement has been with the medical colleges, including the Irish College of General Practitioners. There will be engagement in due course with other stakeholders, including GP contractor representatives.
The Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 is the legal basis for the setting and varying of contractor payments. The Act provides that the Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, may set or vary fees to be paid to service providers.
