GP FEMPI reductions
Deputy Harty asks when FEMPI cuts on general practitioners will be unwound, arguing GP income and recruitment are badly damaged. The Tánaiste says the Health Minister will reply directly and that consultations with GPs are ongoing.
The unwinding of the financial emergency measures in the public interest, FEMPI, legislation has been initiated for all public servants. They are due two pay increases this year and two next year. FEMPI has not been unwound for contract holders, however, including general practitioners. When FEMPI was applied to general practice, it was disproportionately applied because it was applied to the gross fee, which was reduced by 38%. Now, the financial model of general practice is broken and non-viable, and we have huge difficulties in recruiting general practitioners. When and how does the Government intend to unwind FEMPI for general practitioners to save general practice?
