Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly. As the Deputy will be aware, GPs are private practitioners, although most GPs hold contracts with the HSE to provide services under public health schemes. There are currently 2,539 GPs with a general medical services, GMS, contract for the provision of GP services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. As they are private practitioners, GPs are free to establish their practice and work at a location of their own choosing. However, when a GP vacancy arises in a practice with a GMS contract, the HSE becomes involved in the recruitment of a replacement GP. Obviously, we wish both doctors who have served the people of Blarney and the surrounding area for many years all the best in their retirement.

The HSE recently undertook a recruitment campaign for the GMS vacancy in Blarney and several candidates were interviewed in late February and early March. A GP has been identified through this process and is anticipated to take up the position of the GMS GP for the GMS panel on 1 July 2023. Regrettably however, as the Deputy stated, it has not been possible to arrange for the GMS GP service to be based in Blarney. The GMS GP service will be located in Blackpool, which has strong transport links to Blarney. Correspondence was issued to the main cardholders of this GMS panel on Thursday, 13 April. The HSE appreciates, as do I, as Minister of State with responsibility for older people, that this relocation will present a challenge for some GMS cardholders and, accordingly, a change of doctor process will be available from 1 July to those who require it.

As regards the expected GMS vacancy at St. Mary’s primary care centre, the HSE has advised that it is aware of the upcoming vacancy and will advertise the GMS panel on 1 May. Engagement is ongoing to provide cover for the GMS panel on an interim basis to ensure continuity of services for the cardholders concerned.

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 over €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. Specific to rural practices, the agreement provides for a 10% increase in payments under the pre-existing rural practice support framework and a 28% increase to dispensing doctor fees. Practices that receive rural practice supports attract the maximum allowable rates for practice staff support subsidies and locum contributions for leave taking. The terms of reference for a strategic review of general practice have recently been published. This review will commence shortly and will be completed this year. The review, with input from key stakeholders, will examine the broad range of issues affecting general practice and will set out the measures necessary to deliver a more sustainable general practice.

To sum up, the HSE steps in where a GP is retiring. It has tried everything to recruit and it has managed to recruit a doctor for the original GP service in Blarney but, unfortunately, that will be located in Blackpool in the short term. It will be recruiting for the St. Mary's primary care centre starting on 1 May.

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