Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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1931. To ask the Minister for Health the current GP-to-population ratios nationally, in each county, and specifically in Dublin bay north; the steps being taken to recruit, retain and support GPs, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59297/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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GPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. There is no prescribed ratio of GPs to patients, and 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. Currently there are 2,576 GPs contracted to provide services under the GMS Scheme. 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. As of September 1st, there are no GMS vacancies in County Dublin.

It is acknowledged that there is limited access to GP services in certain areas. Work is ongoing to increase the number of GPs practicing in the State and thereby improve access to GP services for all patients across the country.

Over €340 million in additional annual investment in general practice has been provided under the 2019 and 2023 GP GMS Agreements. The 2019 Agreement provided for increased GP capitation fees, increased supports for practices and new fees for additional services such as the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) programme.

The 2023 Agreement further increased GP capitation fees, increased the existing subsidy rates for practice staff, and introduced a grant support for additional staff capacity as well a practice staff maternity leave support. It also provided for the expansion of GP visit card eligibility in 2023 to all children under 8 years of age and all those who earn up to the median household income.

The annual intake of doctors into the GP training programme has been increased by approximately 80% from 2019 to 2024, with 350 new entrant training places made available in 2024 and again in 2025. As a result, the number of GP graduates has increased in recent years and will continue to increase in the coming years.

Furthermore, recruitment of GPs from abroad is ongoing 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.

Regarding the specific question on GP-to-population ratios in each county, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible. Please note that as GPs are private practitioners, it may only be possible for the HSE to respond in relation to HSE contracted GPs.