Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising that question on enhanced Westdoc services in Moycullen, Roscahill and Oughterard. The Senator knows the importance of general practice as part of primary care is evident at this time. GPs are playing a critical role in combating the Covid-19 pandemic, performing additional services while continuing to provide non-Covid care. The commitment of GPs in that area to patient care is laudable and I thank them for that dedication.

GP out-of-hours services are a necessary component of general practice and the HSE provides significant funding. The Senator is asking that, when this funding is issued, his area of Moycullen, Roscahill and Oughterard will be included. I will bring that back to the Minister and we will ask the HSE to do that. It is to be hoped the Senator’s voice will be listened to on this occasion. I thank him again for raising this issue and I hope that in the coming weeks there will be a successful outcome to this.