158. Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Health his plans for general practitioners in rural Ireland to deal with island allowances and the provision for house calls, depending on distance; his plans for overhauling the special type consultation list for specialist services and manpower planning to incentivise general practice in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39862/15]

The HSE, the Department of Health and the Irish Medical Organisation are currently engaged in a review of the General Medical Services contract and other publicly funded health sector contracts involving GPs. This review is taking place within the context of the Framework Agreement which was signed by the above named parties in June 2014 and the Memorandum of Understanding which was signed in February 2015. Among the many topics comprehended by this review process is the issue of supports for General Practice in rural areas.