Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The on-call issue is a significant one for rural GPs. I think it is one of the biggest causes of stress. GPs in more built-up areas do not face the same demand with regard to on-call as GPs in rural areas. The number I have given in respect of training places might not be correct. I will get the correct figure for the Deputy. I have given a number from my head, but I cannot rely on my head. I will come back to the Deputy with the exact figure. There has been a significant increase in the number of training places. I take the Deputy's point that they are not being filled. We have to make sure they are being filled to continue the flow of people. We are aware of the stresses being faced by rural GPs. As the Deputy has acknowledged, I represent a rural area. I know many GPs who have brought these issues to my attention. I am sure our colleagues, Deputies Margaret Murphy O'Mahony and Michael Collins, are well aware of the issues in rural areas as well. There is a significant investment attached to the renegotiation of the rural GP contract. I think that will go a long way towards addressing some of the issues that are significant for GPs. As I have said, work practices have to be looked at. We will do this. We will continue to engage with the representative bodies on the wider range of issues affecting GPs, particularly in rural areas.

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