asked the Minister for Health if he has considered the proposals made by Dr. Dale Tussing of the ESRI in his recent report that family doctor services should be available to all free of charge; if it is intended to act on this recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

51.

asked the Minister for Health if he intends to implement the recommendations in the Dale Tussing report on the Irish health services.

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 10 and 51 together.

The report prepared by Professor Tussing is a wide-ranging review of the Irish health care system and is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about health policy. As the House will be aware, I have placed proposals before the Government for a significant reorganisation of the arrangements for the delivery of health services. My Department are also engaged in negotiations with the medical profession on the future of the general medical service scheme, arising from the publication of a comprehensive working party report. The results of my examination of the Tussing report will be reflected in the outcome of these and other strategic initiatives in the areas covered by the report.

Does the Minister accept the recommendations of the Dale Tussing report, especially those relating to the extension of a free general practitioner service to all and also those relating to eligibility?

He made many proposals, including the introduction of charges in hospitals, balanced by the provision of free GP care for all, whatever that means. I am examining many of these proposals and as soon as that examination is complete I will take policy decisions, but at the moment I do not want to commit myself on the matter.