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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

Government legislation and GP negotiations

Summary

Mattie McGrath raises opposition to wind-energy and EirGrid policy, alleged financial-company harassment, and the need to negotiate with GPs. The Taoiseach gives limited timetable information and says GP negotiations are affected by pending litigation.

Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

I call Deputy Mattie McGrath and I am sure he will do his best to remain in order.

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I will do my best. I wish the Ceann Comhairle a happy Easter.

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

I thank the Deputy very much. I will have a very happy Easter if he obeys Standing Orders.

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I will do my best. Thousands of people took to the streets today - when they could have been working on their farms or at home - to protest about what is happening regarding our policy on wind energy generation and EirGrid. The EirGrid Bill was pushed back from 2013 to this year but there is no sign of it yet.

In the context of the Central Bank (consolidation) Bill, when will the Government stop particular institutions harassing, intimidating and bullying people? There are five texts on my mobile phone which were forwarded to me by a farmer who received them from an individual involved in finance. That is intimidation and bullying. Those involved are breaking the code.

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

The Deputy can have a chat with the Taoiseach about that matter afterwards.

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That individual is acting on behalf of a company called Everyday Finance and his behaviour is completely unacceptable. I will not mention his name.

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

The Deputy should not do so.

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The final matter I want to refer to relates to general practitioners, who are carrying this country's health service on their backs at present. In the context of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007 (amendment) (No. 2) Bill, when does the Taoiseach propose to negotiate with general practitioners? When will he recognise the role they play? They have known their patients for generations and they provide them with front-line services.

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Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy White, is engaging with the representatives of GPs on a regular basis.

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He is not engaging with them.

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Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

As the Deputy is aware, a court case regarding whether negotiating rights should be given to GPs-----

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Such rights should be given to them.

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Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

-----is pending. That is a matter I cannot comment on.

I do not have a publication date for the Central Bank (consolidation) Bill. The EirGrid Bill will be published next year.

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