Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the measures which are planned to increase the supply of general practitioners in accordance with need and her policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39295/09]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 131: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the additional measures she is undertaking to address the shortage of general practitioners in our healthcare system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39276/09]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 170: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the recent ESRI finding that some 350 general practitioners will retire between 2006 and 2010, 450 will retire between 2011 and 2015 and more than 500 will retire between 2016 and 2020; the action she will take to address this shortage and imminent crisis within general practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39590/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 114, 131 and 170 together.

I am aware of the potential shortage of General Practitioners (GPs) highlighted in the recent ESRI Report and the June 2009 FÁS Report. A number of measures to address this are being pursued, including:

The HSE is in discussion with the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) regarding the scope for increasing the 120 GP training places currently available each year.

The HSE and the ICGP are also in discussion to identify a mechanism for up-skilling long-term locums or assistants who are currently not eligible for GMS contracts.

A list of GMS GP posts has been advertised centrally on the HSE Website.

A recruitment drive is being undertaken in the UK and EU countries to attract qualified GPs to Ireland.

The HSE is encouraging GP assistantships and partnerships in relation to upcoming retirements.

The HSE is issuing new GMS panels in regions urgently requiring additional GPs.

Some previous restrictions on entry to the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme have been removed.

The maximum retirement age for GPs holding contracts under the GMS and other schemes has been extended from 65 to 70. I am confident that these measures will have a positive impact on GP numbers.