Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important to put on the record that GP services and primary care in general in this country receive substantial State support, although an argument can always be made for more. I accept the Deputy's genuine concerns in that regard. This is a priority area for Government, one in which we will continue to invest.

As stated, the HSE and Shannondoc have asked that the Deputy be assured that the people in Clare and the mid-west region will continue to be able to access and receive a GP out-of-hours service, which I am sure the Deputy will welcome. In terms of the topical issues raised today, recruitment and attraction of professionals into our health service remains an ongoing challenge. The Government and HSE is committed to ensuring that we have a successful recruitment programme. The Minister and Department of Health will continue to monitor and evaluate that programme and respond accordingly.

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