GPs and health service pressures
Gallagher and Buttimer argued over whether the Taoiseach had unfairly blamed GPs for A&E overcrowding. Buttimer defended the Government’s record, cited new primary care developments and the GP contract, and accused Gallagher of political point-scoring.
In saying that, the Leader is implying that GPs are sending to accident and emergency departments people who should not be going there.
Comment on this
No. I did not interrupt the Senator. He must be fair about this.
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The Senator is not. He is being mischievously political, which is disappointing.
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I am absolutely not. I am only relaying problems that were outlined to me by GPs in my constituency.
Comment on this
Earlier, the Senator did not acknowledge the new primary care centres that have been built, the changes in the GP contract hours and the provision of medical cards to all children under the age of six. In addition, he failed to recognise that talks are under way on a new GP contract. Let us be fair. If the Senator wants to be political, I will have a right political palaver with him about the way his party leader ran out of the Department of Health.
Comment on this
Will the Leader try to stay in the present if at all possible? That might be more helpful than delving into the past. People are only interested in solutions for today and tomorrow.
Comment on this
The Senator is normally very balanced. He made a point which the Leader is entitled to answer.
Comment on this
As the Cathaoirleach knows quite well, that is what the Taoiseach is trying to do with the new GP contract. As a doctor, he is committed to the health system, unlike Senator Gallagher's party leader who would not let any Senator sit on the committee that worked on the Sláintecare report and, in that way, deprived Members of this House from having that opportunity.