Talks breakthrough on GP contract

The breakthough comes five months after health officials last made proposals to the IMO, which were viewed by the union as unacceptable. <br /> <br />Since this time engagement has occurred on the need to “restore funding to pre FEMPI levels to support existing patient services” and for “new funding for new patient services”, the IMO said in a statement released to members. <br /> <br />“We have now been advised by the Department of Health and the HSE that they wish to put new proposals to us and we have agreed to re-engage in a process under the Framework Agreement.  We expect that engagement to take place next week immediately following Budget 2019 with the first meeting scheduled for October 10.<br /> <br />“The position of the IMO is that the new set of negotiations must be meaningful, address the core issues that have arisen as a direct result of FEMPI cuts and have adequate resources committed to any new initiatives.  <br /> <br />“Given the significant roadblocks we have experienced in previous negotiations we will be insisting on this new phase being time limited to see if any agreement can be reached which will address the significant problems in general practice.<br /> <br />“GPs should not be treated any differently to other public servants in terms of a process for restoration of FEMPI cuts and that commitment is contained in the Memorandum of Understanding between the IMO, Department of Health and HSE.”