James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I do not want to go over ground that has been covered by other committee members. I have concerns about the rate of progress in addressing the GP crisis in Ireland. Unfortunately, in many areas of the country, particularly in more rural communities in my constituency - and I will resist the urge to name towns and geographical areas - there is a chronic shortage of GPs. I would like to know, bearing in mind the expenditure this year and last, what the HSE's strategy is. How many places are available annually for doctors to train to become GPs? Is it going to be efficient to try to reduce the level of the problem over the coming 12 months?