Michael Harty (Clare, Independent)
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177. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the depth of the manpower crisis that exists in general practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28531/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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General Practitioners play a crucial role in the provision of primary care services.  The number of GPs on the specialist register continues to increase – up from 2,270 in 2010 to 3,668 in 2018 and the number of GPs contracted by the HSE has also risen from 2,098 in 2008 to 2,497.

The Government is aware of workforce issues facing general practice, including the influence of demographic factors, and has implemented a number of measures to improve recruitment and retention in general practice.

GP training places have increased from 120 to 194 places since 2009. Our objective is to achieve annual increases in the number of training places while ensuring that all of the places are filled.

Entry provisions to the GMS scheme have been changed to accommodate more flexible GMS contracts and the retirement age has been extended to 72. An enhanced support package for rural practices has also been introduced with improved qualifying criteria and an increased financial allowance of €20,000 per annum. 

The Government is committed to engaging with GP representatives on necessary service improvements and reforms to the current contract.

My Department and the HSE met with the IMO at the beginning of May to set out the State's position and subsequently wrote to the Organisation setting out these proposals formally and its response is awaited. 

I would like to assure the Deputy that the Government remains committed to the continued development of GP capacity to ensure that patients across the country continue to have access to GP services and that general practice remains an attractive career option.