176 Ms Sexton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of general practitioners co-operatives which are up and running; and the regions awaiting the establishment of such co-operatives. [18244/05]

Out-of-hours general practitioner co-operatives are found in part of all areas of the Health Service Executive and provide coverage in part of all of the 26 counties. There are four limited GP out-of-hours co-operatives operating in Dublin and eight full GP out-of-hours co-operatives in operation around the country. Decisions on the geographical areas to be covered by co-operatives and any developments or expansions are for each area of the Health Service Executive to make, having regard to the service needs and the strategic, financial and other issues involved. Accordingly, my Department has requested the primary, community and continuing care directorate of the HSE to provide information in respect of those areas which are awaiting the establishment of co-operatives by way of direct response to the Deputy.