Joe Cooney (Clare, Fine Gael)
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96. To ask the Minister for Health the progress on increasing the number of GPs and GP practices across the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52210/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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A number of measures have been taken in recent years to increase the number of GPs practising across the country, thereby increasing access to GP services. As per the Programme for Government, the Government is committed to continuing this work.

Under the 2019 and 2023 GP GMS Agreements, over €340 million in additional annual investment into general practice has been provided for. The Agreements provide for, amongst other things, significant increases in capitation fees for participating GPs, improved practice supports, and fees for new services such as the GP Chronic Disease Management Programme. This increased level of investment helps make working as a GP in Ireland a more attractive career for doctors.

Annual intake to the GP training scheme has been increased by approximately 80% from 2019 to 2024, with 350 new entrant training places made available last year and again this year. As a result, the number of GP graduates has increased in recent years and will continue to increase in the coming years.

Furthermore, the recruitment of GPs from abroad continues under the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP Programme. As of the end of Q2 2025, 122 IMG GPs are placed in GP practices, and a further 23 have competed the programme. The placement of IMG GPs is targeted to rural and underserved areas where increases in GP capacity are needed most.

Between 1st July and 26th September the Medical Council registered 2,631 additional doctors. This figure would include general practitioners. The Council also reduced the actual process duration (time from complete application to decision) to 4 weeks for a number of registration pathways.

I welcome the improvement in these timeframes and acknowledge the progress made by the Medical Council.

The currently underway Strategic Review of General Practice is examining the range of issues affecting general practice, including issues related to GP capacity. Following its completion, a final report will be presented to me outlining the findings of the review and setting out recommended actions for a more sustainable general practice into the future.