The Government is committed to engaging with the representatives of general practitioners on the development of a package of measures and reforms to modernise the 1989 GMS Contract.
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.
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 multi-annual basis. Engagement with GP representatives on contractual issues is expected to recommence in the coming weeks.
I have acknowledged that the National Association of General Practitioners is anxious to be involved in discussions about reform and I have indicated my willingness to consult with them on issues facing general practice.