Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. As he is aware, GPs are private practitioners, although most hold contracts with the HSE to provide services under various health schemes. There are currently more than 2,500 GPs with General Medical Services, GMS, contracts for the provision of GP services without charge to medical card and GP visit cardholders. As they are private practitioners, GPs are free to establish their practices and work at a location of their own choosing. However, where a GP vacancy arises in a practice with a GMS contract, the HSE becomes involved in the recruitment of a replacement GP. At the start of November, there were 27 GP GMS vacancies, approximately 1% of the GMS GP panels. Some 13 of the 27 vacancies were in rural areas and 14 were in urban areas.

On the expected GMS vacancy concerned, Cork Kerry Community Healthcare has advised that it is aware of the upcoming vacancy and is taking appropriate steps. Engagement is ongoing with local providers and an interim service is being planned to ensure continuity of services for the cardholders concerned from 1 January, while the campaign to recruit a replacement GP is ongoing. Once interim arrangements are finalised, the HSE will contact cardholders to inform them of the particulars of this arrangement. The HSE will contact cardholders again when a replacement GP is in place.

The Government recognises the high demand for GP services and has taken measures to make working in general practice in Ireland more attractive. This will improve the recruitment and retention of GPs, increasing the number of GPs throughout the country. The rate of remuneration under the GMS scheme has been increased with additional annual investment of more than €200 million being provided under the 2019 GP agreement. For GPs, this means increased capitation rates, increased rural practice supports, and increased contributions to leave arrangements. Furthermore, budget 2023 provides for additional funding for practice supports in advance of the expansion of GP visit card eligibility from next April for those who earn the median household income of €46,000 or less. Specifically on rural practices, the agreement provides for a 10% increase in payments under the pre-existing rural practice support framework and a 28% increase in dispensing doctors' fees. Practices that receive rural practice supports attract the maximum allowable rate per practice to support subsidies and local contributions for leave taking.

The number of doctors entering GP training has more than doubled in recent years from 120 in 2009 to 258 in 2022, with 350 training places planned to be available by 2026. This shows that the measures undertaken are having an impact and will increase the number of GPs working in the State. A strategic review of GP services is due to commence shortly and is to be completed in a relatively short timeframe. This review, with input from key stakeholders, will examine issues affecting general practice, including issues around rural GP vacancies, and will set out measures to improve provision of GP services.

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