Dr Padraig McGarry, Chairman of the GP Committee of the IMO said that the HSE/Department of Health has confirmed that the Minister cannot set new fees for GP services without having regard to the Framework Agreement.
The IMO also added that the HSE/Department had confirmed that the new contract does not alter the status of GPs in respect of data protection.
“We have listened very carefully to GPs across the country and when they have raised concerns, we have gone back to the HSE and sought clarification,” said Dr McGarry.
“The concerns raised by GPs have been comprehensively dealt with through this clarification process.
“Whether the concerns were about fees, contract hours, implications for Data Protection or costs that might be incurred when hiring locums, the HSE has confirmed that our interpretation is correct.
“On all the contentious issues raised, the answers will reassure GPs.”
Dr McGarry said that the HSE has agreed that GPs have until 5 June to return contracts as the patient registration system goes live in early June.
Additionally, it has been confirmed that there will be no reassignment of existing under 6 GMS patients during the summer period.
