Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent)
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437. To ask the Minister for Health his plans in relation to general practitioner recruitment and retention over the next five years (details supplied). [43308/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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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.

GPs 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 with a GMS contract has also risen from 2,098 in 2008 to 2,494 as at 1 July 2018.

GP training places have been increased from 120 in 2009 to 193 in 2018 and the Government's objective is to continue to achieve annual increases in the number of training places available 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 been introduced with improved qualifying criteria and an increased financial allowance of €20,000 per annum. 

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.