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

The HSE is aware of the expected retirement of the GP concerned and is taking appropriate steps to arrange for the continued provision of GP services for affected cardholders until such time as a replacement GP is in place. The HSE's focus is on ensuring continuity of care. It is currently engaging with local providers to implement a plan for services in the interim. As the Deputy stated, we need to take steps to reassure people. Sometimes, the wrong message can go out. It can be difficult to get the right message out there. As the Deputy also indicated, the HSE will contact affected medical cardholders and GP visit cardholders to advise them when these arrangements are finalised. It will also contact them when the new permanent GP is in place.

There is an increasing demand for GP services. Significant measures have been taken to increase the number of GPs working across the country. There are positive signs, including the increase in the number of doctors entering GP training as well as an increase in the number of GPs on the specialist register, that access to GPs will improve. The issues affecting rural GP practices and the difficulty in filling rural GMS vacancies will be examined as part of the upcoming strategic review of GP services. This review will set out further measures to improve the delivery of GP services.

The Deputy mentioned that the ICGP will be bringing in some non-EU GPs. That is another step in the right direction. It may allow us to address this issue. As already stated, sometimes the wrong message can go out and it can be difficult to get a positive message out to people. However, what I am seeing is quite positive in the context of dealing with and trying to resolve the situation that has arisen. I again thank Deputy O'Sullivan for his co-operation and for his interest in this important issue.

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