Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is committed to the continued development of general practice to ensure patients across the country continue to have access to GP services and that general practice is sustainable in all areas into the future.

I recently published the Terms of Reference for a Strategic review of General Practice which is to be completed this year. The Review will examine the issues affecting general practice including GP training, GP capacity, Out of Hours services reform, the eHealth Agenda, and the financial support model for general practice. The Review will then identify the arrangements necessary to improve the current system of GP care as part of a primary care-focused health service and in line with the Sláintecare vision on access.

The Government is aware of the challenges facing general practice, particularly in relation to workforce issues and limited access to GP services in certain areas, and has already taken a number of actions in increase the number of GPs working throughout the State.

Under the 2019 GP Agreement additional annual expenditure provided for general practice has been increased now by €211.6m. The Agreement provides for an increase in capitation fees for participating GPs, additional services, improved family arrangements as well as a targeted €2 million fund to support practices in deprived urban areas.

The number of doctors entering GP training has increased approximately ten percent year on year from 2019, rising from 193 in 2019 to 258 in 2022, and a further large increase is planned for this year. Following the transfer of responsibility for GP training from the HSE to the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP), it is aimed to have 350 training places available for new entrants per year by 2026.

In addition, the HSE is currently working with the ICGP on a programme to bring 100 non-EU GPs to Ireland in 2023 to help improve access to GP services, particularly in areas with limited access. These new additional posts will work in general practice for a 2-year period following which they will be able to take up a GMS contract. The programme commenced with 25 posts having started in January and is progressing to meet the target of 100 additional non-EU GP placements by year end.