Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I confirm that I am in Leinster House. I have been following the discussion. I address my first question to Mr. Moran. I was alarmed to learn, from Mr. Moran's opening statement, that in Ireland we average 0.69 GPs per 1,000 population. Mr. Moran suggested that we require 1.1 GPs per 1,000 population. That is how needs are reacquired in Ireland. The population here is based in rural areas, apart from some large cities. We need that kind of cover of GP practice if we are to provide a full service to our population. I wonder how we rank in relation to other European nations. Are we laggards or are we there or thereabouts compared with other nations in terms of standards?