Dr. Madeleine Ní Dhálaigh:

I agree with Dr. Crowley's remarks. I wanted to give my insight. I have been a trainer on the Ballinasloe training scheme for young and emerging GPs for the past 12 years. Each year, new GPs training would join our practice for training and mentorship. It is crystal clear these GPs are reluctant to take on partnerships or set up a practice.

Unfortunately, I must bring up those savage Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest, FEMPI, Act cuts, which saw more than 40% of the gross envelope of funding to provide GP services removed overnight during the crisis. It hollowed out GPs, causing lay-offs and emigration among our colleagues, even some quite established colleagues who had to leave. This did not happen in a vacuum. Our young GPs now were students at that time and non-consultant hospital doctors. They were citizens of the State and witnessed what happened. There is a deep insecurity among them now as a result because, as Dr. Crowley said, they are possibly coming to general practice with loans and at a time they may have young families, be extremely busy or be taking on mortgages.

They are deeply insecure about entering into a financial situation where they may have incomplete support. As Mr. Moran said earlier, we need enhanced supports for these young and not so young GPs who are starting off. We need to look at tax relief and assisted funding for premises and equipment. We also need partnership pathways support and mentoring. Until we can do this, confidence among our emerging GPs will not be addressed properly.