Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that I do not consider our engagement with the GP bodies to be done. I very much consider the measures we have taken in recent months to be about initial sustainability after a number of difficult years for GPs. They did not just all sign up; they went out and voted in a ballot that they thought this was a good deal. We are providing significantly more funding and not just returning what was owed to them, as is sometimes said. We are going well above and beyond that and providing for the first time additional supports in respect of paternity and maternity leave, a fund for areas of urban deprivation where we sometimes have difficulty attracting GPs, and increased rural allowances. I accept there is more to be done.

Regarding the three areas the Deputy mentioned, in Newmarket-on-Fergus in County Clare the GP post has been re-advertised with a closing date of 12 December. It is planned to hold interviews for this post early in the new year. In Milltown, County Kerry, in light of the community reaction to the announcement, Cork Kerry Community Healthcare rightly had a meeting with local community and public representatives to listen to concerns. They have postponed the closure of the practice to provide time to the local community to work on additional measures. Finally, in respect of Macroom, this post is currently being advertised again both in Ireland and internationally. A locum GP is in place as of 16 September and is providing services for both general medical services, GMS, and private patients. All other practice staff such as the nurses and secretary remain in place and remain funded by the HSE. The locum doctor will continue to be funded until the post is filled.

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