Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)

I thank the Taoiseach for his reply, but we also need GPs. Mike O'Callaghan of the Irish College of General Practitioners said that we clearly have a deficit in our GP numbers and he listed out a number of counties, including Laois. The last time I checked, we were way below what is required. Primary care centres and health centres in other countries include a whole range of services - physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dental, chiropody, mental health services, etc. - but we are miles away from that comprehensive primary care model. We have neither the staff nor the facilities. I agree with the Taoiseach that primary care is the cornerstone. He said 79 primary care centres have been funded.

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