Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the Deputy's point on the recruitment of GPs, it is not just a national issue but also an international one, as he will be well aware. Every effort is being made regarding this. A higher number of training places has been agreed in recent times.

With regard to the FEMPI legislation, it is the Government’s intention to unwind as much of that in as timely a way as possible. That brings itself to bear on GPs in addition to others working in the public sector. Clearly, the Summer Economic Statement outlined a very strong economic position that I hope will continue to put the Government in a position to improve conditions. Central to that is a positive outcome to the GP contract negotiations. I hope they go well. Everybody is committed to ensuring we will have the new GP contract. As the Deputy stated, it is out of date and we need to conclude a new one.

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