Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I understand the Deputy's passion on this because at the end of the day, vulnerable people are receiving this care and they need to continue to receive the care. I believe that everyone is in agreement of the value of the services provided by GP Care For All to persons living in areas with social deprivation and all recognise that the organisation is essential to delivery of GP services.

The Department of Health is fully aware of current challenges faced by the organisation and is currently engaged with GP Care For All management on the matter. The Department has met GP Care For All and both sides are exploring possible solutions to those challenges, as discussed at their meetings. Sometimes the challenges relate to the Department of Health only but this is a wider piece. The continuation of the GP Care For All service is a priority for the Department of Health and the HSE. They are actively working with GP Care For All but I will follow up on this. I will follow up on it, if not this evening then first thing in the morning. I am not sure what the situation is in respect of the Department of Finance but everybody needs to see a workable solution here and we need to make sure that GP Care For All is still provided to the most vulnerable people who need it.

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