Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:349. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the status of negotiations on the new general practitioner contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15351/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 2 April 2019
Ceisteanna (349, 366)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:366. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when it is expected a new general practitioner contract will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15504/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 349 and 366 together.
Talks between the State and the IMO on the development of a package of measures and reforms to modernise the current GMS contract resumed in October 2018.
There has been intensive engagement in recent weeks which has resulted in good progress being made, however there are a number of issues that remain to be clarified.
Agreement on the delivery of service improvements and contractual reform would provide substantial benefits for patients and facilitate a very significant increase in the resourcing of general practice on a multi-annual basis.
In line with the long-established approach to such processes, and by agreement of the parties concerned, I am not in position to give further details while engagement between the parties is under way.