Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for the question. I agree it is imperative that general practice has the capacity we need because we have big ambitions for GP services, particularly as we move to care in the community. In that regard, the number of GPs has increased by about 12% over the past ten years. We need to look at that per capitaas well. The 2019 figures show that we are at 82 GPs per 100,000, which is slightly above the EU average of 80. My view, which I think the Deputy shares, is that we need to go further and use GPs more in terms of community care.

I am very aware that there are workforce issues, including changing demographics, GPs nearing retirement and difficulties filling some of the GMS slots, which can be particularly impactful on local communities. The 2019 agreement with GPs is key in terms of a 40% or €210 million increase in investment in general practice between 2019 and 2023.  That is a very big increase. I am happy to say that in spite of the pandemic we are on schedule in terms of the delivery of those resources. Between 2019 and this year, we have seen an increase of approximately €144 million, with an additional €63 million provided in the budget for next year. We are on track in that regard.

The Deputy will be well versed with regard to some of the benefits of the chronic disease management programme and the roll-out in that regard in terms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart disease, asthma and diabetes services, etc. I acknowledge the incredible work GPs have done to continue to roll that out in the middle of the pandemic. GP access to diagnostics has been increased this year. There are other initiatives as well, which I can come back to in my later reply.

In terms of capitation fees and increased supports for GPs in disadvantaged areas, there is a new fund in place. The question of maternity and paternity supports for GPs has been a real problem, particularly in some of the more rural areas and smaller practices. There have been moves to that end this year as well.

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