Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am not here to advocate for GPs. However, the Minister of State might understand that GPs are the ones who see patients every week in their surgeries. However, they now cannot see them on the same day. In some cases referral times are down to two or three minutes. That is what is happening in surgeries and, as the person responsible, the Minister of State should know that, rather than coming in here and lecturing me. I am highlighting a simple fact. The Minister of State must understand that GP services are in crisis and GPs are crying out for help. I know the Minister of State is in discussions about a contract. However, in the meantime patients are suffering. The Minister of State talks about bringing more treatment of chronic illnesses into the primary care setting, but nothing is happening in that regard. We will end up with people being referred back to acute hospitals. I would like a few answers on the points I raised as opposed to lectures.

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