Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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172. To ask the Minister for Health the measures he plans to implement to address the issues affecting the retention and recruitment of general practitioners particularly in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41399/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Government is aware of workforce issues facing general practice, including those affecting rural areas, and has implemented a range of measures in recent years to improve recruitment and retention in general practice.

These include changes to the entry provisions to the GMS scheme to accommodate more flexible/shared GMS GP contracts, and to the retirement provisions for GPs under the GMS scheme, allowing GPs to hold GMS contracts until their 72nd birthday. Enhanced supports for rural GP practices have also been introduced.

There has also been a significant expansion in the number of places on GP training programmes in recent years; up from 120 places in 2009 to 192 filled in 2019.

An agreement with the Irish Medical Organisation on contractual reform was concluded this year. In return for cooperation with a wide range of service developments and reforms, the Government will increase investment in general practice by approximately 40% (or €210 million) by 2023.

This will see significant increases in capitation fees for GPs who participate in the reform programme and the introduction of new fees and subsidies for additional services such as the chronic disease management programme. There will be a 10% increase in the rural GP allowance from 2020, an increase in the allowance paid to dispensing GPs, and a targeted fund of €2 million will be set aside to provide additional support to practices in deprived urban areas. Improvements in the maternity and paternity leave arrangements have also been agreed, in recognition of the need to ensure that general practice is compatible with doctors’ family commitments.

I am confident that these measures will make general practice more sustainable and a more attractive career option for doctors.