Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

Deputy Ó Caoláin is correct that Ireland has a lower GP-population ratio of 58 GPs to 100,000 people when it is 67 to 100,000 in Northern Ireland and the UK, a difference of nine. Notwithstanding that, we also have restrictive work practices with up to 400 doctors not being allowed access to the GMS lists because of an industrial relations agreement. While we want to provide practice supports to practices with relatively large numbers of patients - otherwise it would not be cost effective - I do not believe it is sustainable or fair to those general practitioners. The 50 doctors on the doctor-only medical card will be allowed to have access to the full GMS list. That will increase the number of GPs in the Dublin area, where there are particular shortages, by 20.

Since 2004, the number of training places has been significantly increased from 84 to 120. A number of doctors who work in general practice have not done the GP-training programme. I have encountered several of these cases where they were working with a general practitioner for years but when he or she retired they were not qualified to take over the practice. It is a sore point and I understand the colleges are examining the possibility of a training programme for doctors affected to increase supply.

The main challenge with changes in gender distribution, family and lifestyle commitments and so on is to ensure the numbers in general practice increase. It is essential for the move from hospital to community care to place more emphasis on general practice.

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