Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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222. To ask the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding a general practitioner service in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58022/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Where a vacancy arises in a practice with a GMS contract, the HSE becomes actively involved in the selection process to find a replacement GP. The HSE are currently re-advertising to fill the GMS vacancy concerned.

Since the resignation of the two GMS GPs in partnership on the 31st of August last, the HSE has since provided a full medical service to the patients on both GP GMS panels. A new GP surgery was set up with a locum GP and full nursing and secretarial staff.

The combined size of both GMS panels is relatively small and would generally be served by one GP. The HSE previously advertised a single GMS post for both panels on two occasions, however these campaigns were ultimately unsuccessful. As mentioned, the HSE has now re-advertised the post for a third time nationally and in the UK, Australia and Canada.

Despite the increased demand for GP services associated with this time of year, the HSE has not received any complaints relating to access to the service currently provided.