Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are providing for extra GP training places. It is not good enough just to train more GPs; we must work to ensure that general practice is and will be a sustainable career for those studying to become a GP. That is why we are providing a programme of investment as well as extra training places. Talks on that general programme of investment are to take place tomorrow with the IMO, which has asked for the matter to be resolved before the end of the year and that a multi-annual programme of investment for general practice be implemented. I accept that general practice took a hit in that during the economic recession under successive Governments.

Beyond that, in the budget we provided specific resources relating to the termination of pregnancy, as the Deputy is aware. As she is also aware, I have appointed Dr. Peter Boylan to work with the HSE to ensure these services are ready. An issue raised with me by GPs and the medical colleges is the provision of a medically operated out-of-hours telephone service as an extra support for women and doctors and I have directed the HSE to have that service in place by January.

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