John Whelan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge and thank the Minister of State for a positive and constructive response. It is heartening and positive news for the people of Borris-in-Ossory and surrounding areas that the HSE has managed to secure a replacement and that a new GP will take up duty imminently. I welcome that. However, it would be easier to recruit GPs to rural areas and other communities which are not as attractive for those setting up new practices if the criteria were more favourable and supportive of young GPs. The rural practice allowance for GPs needs to be reviewed, revised and reintroduced to areas where it has been withdrawn, such as in Borris-in-Ossory. It is scandalous that the funding has been withdrawn in this instance and others where it would help to make practices more viable, attractive and sustainable.

The Minister of State has responsibility for rural affairs and development and has an important role to play. One of the cornerstones of the viability of any village or rural areas is a GP practice in order that families can feel secure and safe and have recourse to such a service. Without it, the sustainability of a rural community is undermined. Will the Minister of State lend her voice and support to this issue? The criteria being applied by the HSE to practices such as that in Borris-in-Ossory are punitive, such as the rent it is seeking for the use of the HSE facilities and clinic there. The rate is €25 per sq. m, which the price for prime real estate. The clinic is not located in Dublin, and not everywhere is thriving in the same manner as the capital or is as prosperous. There is a strong case to be made for the HSE in this instance and others to waive the rental costs, at least in the first few years, in order that a practice can become established, take root and become committed, dedicated and viable for people in communities such as Borris-in-Ossory. The HSE needs to make a better effort and promptly review the criteria it applies.I am glad to hear it is part of an overall review, but time is of the essence because the Minister of State and her Government colleagues, including the Minister for Health, are facing an ongoing challenge across the regions of rural Ireland to fill vacancies for new GPs as they arise.