asked the Minister for Health if he has agreed a rate of travelling expenses for doctors operating in the GMS; and the amount which it is estimated that this will cost in a full year.

No such rate has been agreed. The fees paid to doctors in the GMS scheme for domiciliary visits are inclusive of travelling expenses.

According to newspaper reports the Minister has now offered a travelling rate to doctors apart from the fee paid for a visit. Are we to understand that is the case?

No, the Deputy is not to understand that is the case.

In other words the newspaper reports are incorrect?

I have said that the fees paid to doctors in the GMS scheme for domiciliary visits are inclusive of travelling expenses.

Is there a travelling rate paid to doctors?

Not under the GMS.

Are the newspaper reports incorrect?

I am not responsible for newspaper reports. I do not know to which reports the Deputy is referring. I am just giving him information that fees paid to doctors in the GMS scheme are inclusive of travelling expenses. No travelling rate as such is paid to doctors.

The Minister will not answer the question.

I will answer questions for which I have responsibility to disclose information. I do not know what reports the Deputy is referring to and I am not responsible for them.