Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

183. To ask the Minister for Health the reason there is a change to the GMS payment for family practices (details supplied); if a new arrangement has been negotiated with the HSE and Revenue; and if the HSE has considered the ramifications. [46824/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The collection of taxes and issues relating to the interpretation of tax law are a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. However, I am aware of the concerns raised regarding new guidance to be issued shortly by the Revenue Commissioners regarding the tax treatment of GP's GMS income.

Officials from my Department and the HSE have engaged with the Office of the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Finance to understand the context of the new guidance and to identify the potential operational issues which may arise following its publication.

Importantly, the guidance does not reflect a change in tax law, but clarifies how GPs’ GMS income should be treated for the purposes of tax under current tax law. To assist GPs and GP practices in complying with their obligations under tax legislation, Revenue will publish detailed guidance shortly. This will supplement the guidance issued to tax practitioners, through the Tax Administration Liaison Committee, in July of this year clarifying the correct tax treatment of GMS income. To allow GPs and GP practices time to make any necessary adjustments to their arrangements to ensure compliance with applicable tax policy and legislation, Revenue have implemented transitional arrangements up to the end of 2023.

My Department and the HSE are also engaged with the IMO and will remain engaged with them to address the potential operational issues raised.

The Strategic Review of General Practice, which is now underway, will examine the current contractual arrangements for the GMS, as well as other issues, and will propose measures necessary to modernise the contract.