Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I reiterate the Government's commitment to ensuring that patients throughout the country continue to have access to quality GP services. That is what all the Deputies have reiterated tonight. The important role that GPs play in the delivery of our health service and the commitment to providing a responsive and high-quality service to patients is acknowledged. The workload in many GP practices remains quite heavy and the last few years have been particularly challenging.

I also recognise that GPs working in rural and socially disadvantaged areas play a particularly important role. I assure the House that the Government is committed to ensuring that general practices in such areas remain a sustainable and attractive option for doctors. The 2019 agreement on the reform and modernisation of the general medical services contract will be key in supporting and resourcing general practice into the future and making it a more attractive career option for young doctors.

On GP services in Templemore, as I outlined earlier, the HSE has made every effort to fill the vacancy but has been unsuccessful. In order to ensure the continuity of care, and in the best interests of patients, an alternative arrangement has been put in place with an existing group practice in the town of Templemore. This arrangement will ensure local access to GP services for existing patients of the retired GP. However, I will take on board the request that Deputy Cahill initially made about an extension of six months; I will take that back to the Minister. I assure Deputies that the HSE is committed to working with GPs in the area to ensure services can continue to be provided to the local community.

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