GMS tax guidance for GPs
Deputy Collins asked whether new Revenue guidance on GP income under the GMS scheme would be reversed. The Taoiseach said Cabinet had approved an amendment to resolve the issue and he would follow up on its publication.
My question relates to new guidance given on the General Medical Services, GMS, scheme regarding the tax treatment of GPs' income. This will have a detrimental effect on GP practices, especially community practices. I put a question to the Minister for Health, who said his Department and the HSE had been in contact with Revenue on the issue but offered little other information. A GP considered that reply to be very unhelpful. This is a move that massively complicates the administration of general practice. Will the Government reverse the decision to change guidance under the GMS? If so, how? I have heard it rumoured that the Minister will bring an amendment to the Finance (No. 2) Bill 2023 but I have searched for the amendment and cannot find it.
Comment on this
I am aware of the issue. It relates to a Revenue determination made with respect to how GPs are taxed. We have found a solution to it and an amendment was approved by Cabinet to the finance Bill. I am not sure why that has not been published yet. It has been agreed by Cabinet. I will double-check on that and follow up on it. It should have been published by now but perhaps it has not been.