James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 275: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the practical measures she and the Health Service Executive will take to address the general practitioner manpower crisis here and in particular to ensure that primary care continues to deliver a same day service into the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4179/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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A joint Department of Health and Children/Health Service Executive (HSE) working group on workforce planning was established in June 2006. It also includes representatives of the Departments of Finance and Education and Science, and the Higher Education Authority.

FÁS undertook research on behalf of the joint working group which analysed the labour market for 12 healthcare grades and professions, including GPs. A report on the research is expected to be finalised in the coming months. The issue of funding of medical school places is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Education and Science.

The Health Service Executive is currently discussing GP training and manpower issues with the Irish College of General Practitioners and other organisations with a view to addressing GP manpower shortfalls into the future.

The HSE is also responsible for implementing the Primary Care Strategy and the cooperation and availability of general practitioners is, of course, critical to this process. I will continue to liaise with the HSE, the training bodies and other relevant organisations to ensure that appropriate measures are implemented to deal with any threat to the numbers of general practitioners available in the community.