The controversy involving the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar this weekend originated in moves by the government to extend services in general practice and a long-running campaign by family doctors for the reversal of funding cuts applied over previous years. At the time there was another organisation representing family doctors, the National Association of General Practitioners (NAGP). It would also involve the restoration of funding, cut from general practice during the austerity years, in return for co-operation with reforms. The agreement between family doctors and the government on reforms to general practice in return for investment was negotiated between the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) and the Department of Health/HSE. Mr Varadkar in his statement this weekend said he provided a draft copy of the new GP agreement to the then president of the NAGP Dr Maitiú Ó Tuathail on a date between 11th and 16th April 2019.

Source: The Irish Times October 31, 2020 17:37 UTC