Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for giving me the time, at short notice, to get in on this important issue. There is a fundamental problem with GP care around the State, and particularly in Kerry, although this is not necessarily related to a Kerry issue. We have had our own problems in Kerry finding doctors for towns and villages like Ballyduff, around the Ring of Kerry and a few years ago in Milltown. Essentially, GP care is privatised and many GPs and the HSE have to settle terms to provide care in communities.

From time to time, the old Tralee Town Council instituted a scheme to help emigrants, Irish people who had been England for 30 or 40 years, to return home. It was in dealing with the Safe Home group, which is based in Mayo, that this difficulty came to pass. Many of these people sent remittances home. When times were very difficult in Ireland, they kept the country afloat and it is very important that we take care of them. One such individual contacted us, and the organisation Safe Home had received an email saying that at the moment, they could only advise that they should keep contacting GPs in the area because the HSE no longer assigns GPs to clients. The email said that for any further queries, an 0818 number could be contacted. For years, it was standard practice that if you had tried and was refused by three GPs in an area, the HSE would then step in, help you out and try to find a GP. This is very important for people in general but more so for Irish emigrants who are coming home. They may have been living in council or trust accommodation in Britain and are coming home. They may have a place arranged here but they need a medical card. One needs a medical card, as the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, knows, for carer's allowance, housing adaptation grants, the HMD1 housing form, or for people with additional needs. A GP and a medical card are needed to understand that and to get into the system, so to speak.

I know that many GPs are under pressure as I have seen in my own county, and no doubt the Minister of State has seen it in hers. However, there is a serious problem. The Sláintecare recommendations have not been implemented. Obviously GPs are under pressure but the HSE is in charge of this whole policy, and really it should be stepping in. Vulnerable people who are returning home after many years abroad should be looked after. It is morally right, and it really should be encased in legality. Will the Minister of State be able to do something about it to ensure that this is not going to happen to any more vulnerable people?

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