444 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health and Children the outstanding payments to GPs for vaccinations and immunisation programmes; the reason these payments have not been made; when they will be made; and if he will make a statement on the failure to provide for these payments on time. [9425/02]

446 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason bonus payments have not been made to general practitioners for more than four years where general practitioners exceeded vaccination targets for which 15% of the fee was to be paid. [9427/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 444 and 446 together.

445 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many general practitioners have not been paid for discretionary medical cards, asylum seekers, secretary and nurse payments, and for over 70s medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9426/02]

I am aware that all general practitioners may not have been paid in full the moneys due to them in respect of services being provided for discretionary medical card holders, asylum seekers and their practice support allowances. However, arrangements are being made with the health boards, the GMS (Payments) Board and other Government departments to secure the information necessary to process the outstanding amounts and expedite the payments to the relevant doctors.