One of the key recommendations of the Sláintecare report is to deliver a new general practitioner, GP, contract, in line with the commitment to delivering a comprehensive primary care service. What progress has been made in the negotiations with the Irish Medical Organisation, IMO, and the National Association of General Practitioners, NAGP, and when can we expect to see progress on this very important matter?

The Government, and the Minister for Health in particular, share the Deputy's concern. This was highlighted by the fact that the Minister for Finance indicated in his budget speech that efforts would be made to agree a contract. We regard this as crucial to the proper development of the primary sector as an alternative to our reliance on hospital treatment and to see that fulfilled by primary care centres with a comprehensive range of services and a wider opening hours' availability to people. Change is crucial to the achievement of our objectives for health services. Both Ministers have indicated it is a high priority.