To focus on the core issue of the question in relation to GPs in city centre areas, would the Minister accept that in the north side of this city there is inadequate GP cover? That is one of the strongest reasons for supporting the Temple Street Children's Hospital outpatients' department. Would he not accept that there are considerable problems in the north side of the city in having GPs on call? What proposals has the Minister to deal with those problems which now exist?

I accept that for a number of years there have been such problems. This appears to be a city problem. It does not exist to any large extent outside the city. There is insufficient cover — in some areas of the city, I might add. There are many areas of the city where general practitioners, either on their own or in groups, are providing an excellent level of service 24 hours a day. There are areas where this is not happening and we have taken up the matter with the Eastern Health Board because, principally, it is in Dublin that the problem arises.

What particular conclusions have the Eastern Health Board come to in relation to the problem? What proposals does the Minister envisage will be put forward to rectify the problem that he has acknowledged now exists?

It is not just now that I have acknowledged the problem; it has been there for years.

But he is the Minister now.

I have addressed the problem with the Eastern Health Board. We are looking to see how it can be resolved. There are a number of proposals and I will bring them to the Deputy's attention in due course.