Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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312. To ask the Minister for Health if the general practitioner capital fund will be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40983/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I assume the Deputy is referring to the General Practice Development Fund which was in operation between 1993 and 2010. There are no plans to reinstate this fund. However, the Government is committed to engaging with GP representatives on the development of a package of measures and reforms to modernise the 1989 GMS contract.

The goal is to develop a contractual framework that has a population health focus, providing in particular for health promotion, disease prevention and for the structured care of chronic conditions. This will enable general practitioners to better meet the needs of patients and will also promote general practice as a viable and rewarding career for both existing doctors and future medical graduates.

There is potential for State expenditure on General Practitioner services to increase significantly in coming years if the talks are successful. Engagement with GP representatives on contractual issues is expected to recommence in the coming weeks.