Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Senator that a review is a good thing. The provision of out-of-hours GP services will be examined as part of a wider strategic review of general practice for which preparatory work has commenced this year. That is welcome. I note the Senator's point that there have been situations where cover has not always been available. The agreement provides an initial €2 million support fund for GPs in areas of urban deprivation and increases the existing support funding for rural GP practices. The improvements to maternity and paternity leave arrangements are also very important for practices where there might only be one doctor. It can be very challenging if they are on maternity leave or, for example, they are out sick and it is difficult to get a locum. We await the results of the review with interest. I again thank the Senator for raising the matter.