Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the measures the Minister has been introducing to strengthen the recruitment and retention of GPs. As he knows, there are particular challenges in rural practices. Recently, I have been engaging with him very strongly and continuously regarding the need for a permanent GP appointment for Swanlinbar, County Cavan. The permanent GP there retired some time ago and a locum has been in place in the meantime. As the Minister will be aware, having heard from me and other local public representatives, the local community is demanding very strongly that the HSE advertise for the post of a permanent GP. I am aware that he has engaged with the HSE on our behalf, which I very much appreciate, but I appeal to him to send on my very strong message. Over the years, the people of the very wide rural Border area of west Cavan have been served by permanent medical practices in Ballyconnell, Blacklion and Swanlinbar. That configuration needs to remain.

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