Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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307. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to establish a general practitioner training programme in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33326/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Partnership Government emphasises the need to focus on enhancing primary healthcare services, including building up GP capacity. There are currently 14 GP Specialist (Vocational) Training Programmes in operation in Ireland and doctors who wish to pursue GP training in Ireland may apply for a general practice training post in one of these programmes. At present, all GP training programmes are of 4 years duration and all trainees are required to complete 2 years in a hospital setting and 2 years in general practice with a GP trainer. The number of GP training places has increased from 120 prior to 2010 to the current level of 172 per annum.

As the training of GPs is currently a matter for the Health Service Executive, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.