89 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Health if secretaries and nurses will be made redundant as a result of the proposed withdrawal by general practitioners for the general medical service on 8 December 1992; and the steps, if any, he will take to avoid such job losses.

The employment of a practice secretary and/or a practice nurse under the General Medical Service contract is a matter entirely for the individual general practitioner.

As the Deputy will be aware the General Medical Services Review began in March of this year with the participation of the Irish Medical Organisation, the Irish College of General Practitioners, the Departments of Health and Finance and the health boards. Meetings of the review are continuing on a regular basis and constructive dialogue has taken place on a range of issues.

I am hopeful that it will be possible to bring these discussions to a successful conclusion and avoid a withdrawal of general practitioners from the scheme.