Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In 2016, the total amount paid to general practitioners under the General Medical Services scheme was approximately €518 million, including more than €85 million in subsidies for the employment of staff, namely, practice nurses, practice managers and secretaries. Some GPs also receive payments from the Health Service Executive under various other measures such as the Heartwatch scheme and the Health (Amendment) Act 1996. The total amount paid out in such fees increased to approximately €44 million in 2016.

I acknowledge the issues raised by the Deputies and accept that vacancies must be filled and that some young medical graduates are moving abroad. However, we are addressing these issues and doing our best to ensure excellent general practice services are provided throughout the country. Priority must be given not only to recruiting more general practitioners in rural areas but also in disadvantaged areas, including areas in my constituency of Dublin Bay North. We will push very hard to achieve this.

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