The IMO reached agreement with the Department of Health & Children and the Health Service Executive on the 29 th September 2005 on the introduction of 200,000 Doctor Visit Only Cards in talks chaired by the Labour Relations Commission. This latest agreement paves the way for the full implementation of the earlier LRC Recommendations issued on the 20 th June 2005 . Implementation of the June recommendations had been delayed as the management side had sought clarification on the capitation rate to apply to holders of Doctor Visit Only Cards prior to age 70 on receiving a medical card entitlement on reaching age 70. Under the agreement, this issue will be referred to arbitration while management have guaranteed that the integrity of the existing Over 70's arrangements will not be undermined. An IMO industrial relations update will be circulated in the coming days to all GP members with details of the agreement. The Health Service Executive will issue the new contract to treat Doctor Visit Only Card patients to GPs in the coming days. This contract has been agreed between the IMO and the Department of Health & Children and the Health Service Executive. The arrears payments due to GPs under the agreement will be paid in October 2005.

The agreement also provides for the commencement of a comprehensive review of the General Medical Services (GMS) and other publicly funded primary care schemes. The review is to be chaired by Mr Kieran Mulvey, Chief Executive, Labour Relations Commission and is to be completed by March 2006. The first meeting of the review has been scheduled to take place on the 4 th October 2005 .