Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, for making time available to deal with this matter, which relates to the new contract for GPs. It is an urgent matter in that many GPs are under pressure. Things have changed quite substantially during the past four to five years. While GPs have been able to carry them for the last four to five years, the additional costs they have incurred and the drop in their incomes cannot continue ad infinitum. I know a new contract is being negotiated but it would be helpful for the House if we were made aware of what progress has been made. We need this information, particularly in respect of rural practices. One GP told me that €200,000 was coming into the practice four or five years ago in respect of the provision of care to medical card patients.The number of medical card patients in his practice has increased substantially but the amount of money he is getting has decreased to €120,000. That represents a drop of over 40%. Most GPs are experiencing similar reductions at a time when they have to maintain rent payments or service mortgages for their premises and meet the cost of rates, insurance and wages. In addition, the cut in funding for practice nurses has led to a reduction in the number of hours for which GPs can afford to pay such nurses. It is extremely important for us to get this part of the health system right. The sooner we do so, the better. GPs provide a comprehensive service. They are extremely committed to their patients. They do everything possible to provide the best standard of care to their patients. It is in that context that I am raising this matter and calling on the Minister of State to bring us up to date on the current status of the negotiations.