Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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312. To ask the Minister for Health the number of applications received for a GP vacancy in Cavan (details supplied); the number of these applications that are to be progressed to interview stage; the timeframe for the interview process to take place; the timeframe for a GP to be appointed to this role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21115/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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GPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. The State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in a town or community.

Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. Where a vacancy arises in a practice with a GMS contract, the HSE becomes actively involved in the recruitment process to find a replacement GP. In the interim the HSE puts in place a locum or other appropriate arrangement to maintain GP services to the communities in question.

As the issue of GMS vacancies is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly regarding the recruitment process for the vacancy in Swanlinbar, Co. Cavan as soon as possible.

Stephen 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.