John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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178. To ask the Minister for Health if he received a petition requesting him to establish a general practitioner out-of-hours service for north Wicklow; if progress has been made on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52131/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the petition referred to by the Deputy regarding GP out of hours services in North Wicklow. I recognise the need for an improved out of hours service for North Wicklow which can provide the appropriate level of cover for the population of the area. The development of such a service would allow GPs to participate fully in the provision of an integrated healthcare system providing medical services that are appropriate, timely and effective, easily accessible and responsive to the needs of patients. I remain committed to the development of an improved GP out of hours services for North Wicklow and I expect progress to be made in this matter in the near future.

In addition, the HSE's National Primary Care Division has also undertaken a national review of current GP out of hours services and a final report is expected to be completed shortly. This report will make recommendations regarding the future provision of GP out of hours services and will have particular relevance to the currents gaps in service, in areas such as North Wicklow.