Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply and I received much of that information last year from his colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Donnelly. The Minister of State said of this winter, "an additional €10 million in funding is being provided to support general practice nationally, given the extra pressure the winter period can bring, in particular on single-handed practices". This is what the director of operations of the HSE, Anne O’Connor, said at the Committee on Health a number of weeks ago. Where will that funding be directed and can it be directed towards enhanced Westdoc services in Moycullen, Roscahill and Oughterard? That is the question I have asked which the Minister of State has not answered today on behalf of the Minister or the HSE. How will this funding be allocated? Who decides?

Galway is under pressure, there is a need for a service and GPs are willing to be part of that service. Funding of €10 million is available nationally. How can that be matched to the local need in the Moycullen, Roscahill and Oughterard area to join with Westdoc? That is the question I am looking for an answer to.