149 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on the situation whereby a general practitioner with Army experience was allowed into the General Medical Service Scheme under the five year rule.

I examined in detail the case referred to by the Deputy and I was satisfied that, in the particular circumstances, a case existed for allowing the doctor concerned entry to the General Medical Service. At my instigation therefore, the Midland Health Board offered the doctor concerned a GMS contract which he accepted. I might add that the general question of entry to the GMS scheme is being considered as part of the current review discussions.