Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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341. To ask the Minister for Health when he expects to allow general practitioners to return to operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9806/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I wish to assure the Deputy that general practice is has continued to operate during the public health emergency and GPs are still seeing patients where necessary, albeit with infection-control measures in place.

However, the exceptional circumstances faced by medical practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a change in how GP services are delivered. At this time, walk-in clinics are not generally being provided and patients are asked to phone their GP initially to discuss their medical problem. GPs are performing assessments over the phone to determine if a patient needs to attend the surgery. Many problems can be resolved over the phone or by video consultation, some can be helped by the secure transfer of a prescription to the pharmacist while others may need referral to other services. Where clinically indicated, the GP will arrange an appointment to see the patient in the surgery. These measures are necessary to ensure the safety of patients, GPs, and practice staff.