Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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1328. To ask the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in implementing the Programme for a Partnership Government commitment to provide for salaried general practitioners in view of the severe shortage of same; when he plans to make this available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36689/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government includes a commitment to mandating the HSE to employ GPs on a salaried basis where needed, and to put in place support structures and staff.

Any proposed model involving salaried GP positions would require careful consideration to ensure the required level of service could be provided for medical card and GP visit card holders.

The recently-concluded Agreement between the Department of Health, the HSE and the IMO regarding GP Contractual Reform and Service Development includes a recognition that a strategic review of the contractual terms for the GMS and other publicly-funded GP services is required to meet the challenges facing the health system and to put in place arrangements which will ensure a sustainable GP service as a core element of primary care, focused on facilitating integrated provision of care in the most appropriate settings. The review is scheduled to begin this year.