Prominent GP says doctors cannot renegotiate fees

A prominent GP has said it is not possible for her and her colleagues to collectively renegotiate the fees given to doctors for treating elderly patients with medical cards.

The Government has confirmed that it has made contact with the main GP representative group, the Irish Medical Organisation, to discuss the fee structure.

However, Dr Mary Grehan, founder of the rival Association of General Practitioners, says competition law prevents GPs from collectively negotiating changes to medical-card fees.

The Competition Authority has also expressed concerns about the Government's plan to renegotiate fees with GPs.