Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

163. To ask the Minister for Health if funding for a continuing medical education tutor post for north County Dublin, which is currently vacant, will be approved in view of the fact that general practitioners in this catchment area are missing out on points needed to remain in an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44418/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

All doctors on the Medical Council's register, including GPs, are required to maintain professional competence by enrolling in professional competence schemes and engaging in maintenance of professional competence activities in relation to their practice.

One of the methods used to fulfill part of the professional competence requirements for the Medical Council is small group learning, as seen in the GP Continuing Medical Education National Tutor Network. The HSE provides some support towards professional competence activities for GPs by funding the Tutor Network. These tutors provide teaching to GPs in active practice to keep them up to date with medical information in relation to general practice. In addition, the Irish College of General Practitioners provides elearning modules, courses, conferences and advice on achieving the professional competence requirements.

As the issue raised is a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.