Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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674. To ask the Minister for Health if he is aware that an investment fund is intending to convert a currently-operating GPs surgery in Blackpool, Cork, and close the existing service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16148/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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GPs are private practitioners, most of whom hold a GMS contract with the HSE for the provision of GP services to medical card and GP visit card holders. Most GPs also hold other HSE contracts for the provision of health services such as services under the Primary Childhood Immunisation Scheme or National Cancer Screening Service. As GPs are self-employed practitioners, they may establish practices at a place of their own choosing and they themselves manage the practice.

Where a GMS vacancy arises, the HSE becomes actively involved in the recruitment process to find a replacement GP for the panel concerned. While recruitment is ongoing, the HSE may put a locum or other suitable arrangement in place to provide continuity of care for the area concerned.

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