Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Murphy O'Mahony for the question in regard to Bandon. On GP recruitment, the two areas on which the Government is focused are increasing the number of training places each year for the number of GPs in Ireland, in respect of which we have a way to go, and ensuring we resource and support our GPs better. We have agreed with the IMO a €210 million package of investment in general practice. This effectively reverses all of the FEMPI cuts of the austerity years. It also provides more support for our GPs in terms of maternity leave, paternity leave, additional funding in respect of a practice in a rural area and, for the first time every, funding in an area of social deprivation. The Deputy does not have to take my word for it that this is a good deal. More than 95% of GPs who voted in a consultative ballot voted in favour of it.

On Bandon specifically, I will ask that the HSE brief me in that regard following which I will come back to the Deputy on it.

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