Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. The Government is actively working to increase the number of GPs working in the State and to increase GP access throughout the country. GPs are self-employed and the HSE steps in when there is a situation where a GP may retire. There are currently 23 vacancies around the country, down from 34 last year. We are making considerable inroads as we try to secure someone to take on the role in question. While this matter is ongoing, the general medical card scheme has been frozen to ensure there is a good and viable business for people to take on the role. If the Deputy sends me details of the case, I will ask the HSE in the area to examine it. It is important that there is community collaboration. The HSE is focused on getting permanent GPs into communities the length and breadth of the country.

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