Dáil Éireann - Volume 510 - 11 November, 1999

Written Answers. - General Medical Services Scheme.

Mr. Allen Mr. Allen

146. Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on a recent reported allegation by a member of the NAIGP that a number of general practitioners assistants, who do not qualify under the new General Medical Services entry criteria, have been asked to pay sums between £70,000 and £200,000 to buy into practices particularly in view of the fact that these lists cannot be sold. [23022/99]

Mr. Cowen Mr. Cowen

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen): The position is that entry by doctors to the GMS scheme is by way of open competition or under the one-off arrangements for entry agreed earlier this year with the Irish Medical Organisation. Sale by an existing GMS scheme doctor of his contract or any interest therein does not arise.

I am aware of the media report to which the Deputy's question relates. However, I am not aware of any actual instances of this occurring but if the Deputy has information on particular cases it should be forwarded to my Department for investigation.

Dáil Éireann 510 Written Answers. General Medical Services Scheme.

Questions

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