Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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1285. To ask the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in negotiating and finalising a new general practitioner contract; the timeframe to which he is working; and if he will expedite this matter in view of the need to expand the capacity of general practitioner and primary care services. [38988/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The development of primary care is central to the Government's objective to deliver a high-quality, integrated and cost effective health service. The Programme for Government commits to a decisive shift within the health service towards primary care in order to deliver better care close to home in communities across the country. The development of a new, modernised contract for the provision of general practitioner services will be a key element in facilitating this process.

The aim is to develop a contract which has a population health focus, providing in particular for health promotion and disease prevention and for the structured ongoing care of chronic conditions. A new contract should be flexible and be able to respond to the changing nature of the GP workforce. It should also include provisions in relation to service quality and standards, performance, accountability and transparency. I think this will be key in making general practice a more attractive career.

Since 2015, negotiations have resulted in a number of service developments including the provision of free GP care to under 6 year olds and over 70's, the introduction of a Diabetes Cycle of Care for adult GMS patients with Type 2 Diabetes and enhanced supports for rural GPs. The next phase of discussions on a new GP contract is under way and officials from my Department and the HSE meet with GP representatives on a regular basis.

I understand that the discussions taking place are wide ranging and definitely ambitious in their scope. I think it is important to acknowledge that, as with any negotiation-type process, and given the range and complexity of the issues to be discussed, these engagements take time. While I am of course anxious to see good progress made, it is not my intention to set a deadline for completion of discussions. I look forward to significant progress being made in the months ahead. While there will be challenges for all parties involved, I would hope that everyone will remain focused on our common goal of putting suitable new arrangements in place that will work for patients, GPs, and other health care providers in primary care. I look forward to continued ongoing positive engagement with GP representatives in the months ahead.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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1286. To ask the Minister for Health the reason he will not proceed to make arrangements for the employment of salaried general practitioners in view of the shortage of general practitioners and the need to attract back Irish-trained general practitioners who are working abroad. [38989/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The development of primary care is central to the Government's objective to deliver a high-quality, integrated and cost effective health service. The programme for Government commits to a decisive shift within the health service towards primary care in order to deliver better care close to home in communities across the country. The development of a new, modernised contract for the provision of general practitioner services will be a key element in facilitating this process.

The aim is to develop a contract which has a population health focus, providing in particular for health promotion and disease prevention and for the structured ongoing care of chronic conditions. A new contract should be flexible and be able to respond to the changing nature of the GP workforce. It should also include provisions in relation to service quality and standards, performance, accountability and transparency. I think this will be key in making general practice a more attractive career.

Since 2015, negotiations have resulted in a number of service developments including the provision of free GP care to under 6 year olds and over 70's, the introduction of a Diabetes Cycle of Care for adult GMS patients with Type 2 Diabetes and enhanced supports for rural GPs. The next phase of discussions on a new GP contract commenced in January of this year. Officials from my Department and the HSE meet with GP representatives on a regular basis to discuss a wide range of issues. The option of salaried GPs for areas where it has proven difficult to attract and retain GP services is one of the issues I expect will be considered in this context. Any proposed model involving salaried GP positions would require careful consideration to ensure the required level of service could be provided to remote and deprived areas, as well as providing a financially viable solution for doctors who wish to work in such areas, without displacement of other GP services in surrounding areas.

I understand that the discussions taking place are wide ranging and definitely ambitious in their scope. I would hope that everyone will remain focused on our common goal of putting suitable new arrangements in place that will work for patients, GPs, and other health care providers in primary care. As with any negotiation-type process, and given the range and complexity of the issues to be discussed, these engagements take time. While I am of course anxious to see good progress made, it is not my intention to set a deadline for completion of discussions. I look forward to significant progress being made in the months ahead.