Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish to draw attention to section 3(13) which is one of the practical areas in terms of the provisions of the Bill. It states:

Insofar as considered practicable by the Health Service Executive, a choice of medical practitioner shall be offered under the general practitioner medical and surgical service made available under this section.

Knowing as we do the great difficulty in realising the spirit of that particular subsection, can the Minister of State offer any further comment?

A number of people have drawn my attention to it, but I cannot see any logical way of amending it because it reflects a reality, a state of play that we will not be able to change in the progress of this legislation. For many people, there will not be a choice. Close access would be a luxury for many, particularly in rural Ireland but not confined thereto. This would also apply in some urban centres, especially in parts of Dublin. What are we doing to attract more trained doctors to take up positions in general practice? The Minister of State is more exposed to the facts across the State than I am, but I am surprised that, even in very large and generally attractive urban locations, there has been difficulty in attracting doctors to take up vacant positions in practices with GMS associations. I was very surprised that this was the case for some time in my home town. It made no sense to me, although the issue has now been addressed. I welcome this and wish the new holder good luck. What can we do to attract more doctors into general practice?