asked the Minister for Health the negotiations that have been held with medical interests with a view to changing the fee per item system of payment under the general medical services system; when the negotiations are expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The question of remuneration for doctors participating in the scheme is one of the matters being considered by the working party on the general medical service. I anticipate that they will submit their report to me before Easter.

Will the Minister indicate the proposals he has to change the system of paying doctors in the GMS and what saving, if any, there would be under his system?

The joint Programme for Government contained a general proposal to negotiate a change in the methods of payment for doctors in the GMS. I should like to stress that detailed negotiations with the profession are necessary for any change. The working party are considering this and other aspects of the scheme and the general medical practice in general. The central issue is the method of payment. That group will be meeting intensively in the next few weeks and I do not wish to preempt their discussions at this stage.

Will the working party be considering the manner of paying chemists for prescriptions and the way drugs are dispensed?

That does not arise.

It is a matter that will come within the general framework of any agreement. The outcome of any agreement, if we reach one, would impinge on that area.

6.