Written answers

Tuesday, 11 May 2021

Department of Health

Health Services Staff

Photo of David CullinaneDavid Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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890. To ask the Minister for Health the number of general practitioner whole-time equivalents in the public primary care system; the number of general practitioners issuing services under the GMS agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24544/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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GPs play a crucial role in the provision of primary care services. While no central register exists specifically for GPs working in Ireland, all doctors in practice in Ireland must be registered with the Medical Council. As at end December 2020 there were 4,092 doctors on the Medical Council's Specialist Register in the Speciality of General Practice. However, holding registration does not necessarily mean that a medical practitioner is active in general practice.

GPs are self-employed private practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. Under the provisions of the Health (Provision of General Practitioner Services) Act 2012, a GP can enter into a State contract to provide GP services provided he/she is on the Specialist Register in the Speciality of General Practice.

Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. Currently 2,534 GPs hold GMS contracts. Many GPs also hold contracts with the HSE to provide services under other state schemes, e.g. the Primary Childhood Immunisation Programme, National Cancer Screening Service, Methadone Treatment Scheme etc. There are a further 522 GPs without GMS contracts who hold other such contracts with the HSE, bringing the total number of GPs contracted by the HSE at present to 3,056.

Photo of David CullinaneDavid Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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891. To ask the Minister for Health the number of practice nurse whole-time equivalents in the public primary care system; the number of practice nurse whole-time equivalents needed to reach the health service capacity review 2018 forecast for 2031; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24545/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Photo of David CullinaneDavid Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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892. To ask the Minister for Health the number of public health nurse whole-time equivalents and vacancies by CHO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24546/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Photo of David CullinaneDavid Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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893. To ask the Minister for Health the number of physiotherapists whole-time equivalents and vacancies by CHO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24547/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Photo of David CullinaneDavid Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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894. To ask the Minister for Health the number of speech and language therapists whole-time equivalents and vacancies by CHO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24548/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Photo of David CullinaneDavid Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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895. To ask the Minister for Health the number of residential care short-term and long-term beds by area at the start of 2020 and 2021; the number estimated for year-end 2021, by location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24549/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives.

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

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