Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The number of training places for GPs has been increased. The rural practice allowance, which incentivises GPs to work in rural areas, is now more generous than it has ever been before. I signed that order a year or so ago. The model is changing. Fewer GPs are willing to work single-handed or to take on the enormous debts that are required to establish a practice. One of the features of the negotiations that are going to start with the GP representative organisations is the possibility of having more salaried positions. Under such an approach, the Government would pay people a salary to work as GPs in particular areas.

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