Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Once again I thank Senator O'Loughlin for raising this important issue. As mentioned, GPs are self-employed practitioners and cannot be directed to open a practice in a particular area. Several measures have been taken in recent years, however, to increase GP capacity and improve access to services. The increased investment in general practice under both the 2019 and 2023 GP agreements means improved fees and supports to attract more doctors into general practice. The positive impact of this is being seen in the increased number of doctors applying for and undertaking GP training and the number of applications received this year. The increased availability of GP training places will see the number of GP graduates continue to increase over the coming years. The Department of Health previously estimated that, from 2023 to 2027, between 1.5 and 3 GPs will be on board for every expected GP retirement. The ongoing recruitment of GPs under the international medical graduate programme is placing GPs in deprived areas and rapidly increasing access to GPs in those areas.

In terms of the context of the matters and the particular point the Senator raises, an email from her to the Minister and following up with the HSE is the way to further address this matter.