Vol. 534 No. 1
140 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself that there is adequate encouragement for people with medical interest to train as a general practitioner, if general practice is attractive and rewarding and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7870/01]
I am satisfied that there is adequate encouragement for people with medical interest to train as general practitioners. This is reflected in the fact that the number of applicants for places on the GP vocational training programme with the Irish College of General Practitioners in the current year was 163. So great is the level of interest that the college actually increased the number of training places this year from 54 to 63. The number of doctors interested in providing services under the GMS scheme is also increasing. The current number of participating doctors is just over 1,750, as compared with 1,679 at the end of December 2000 and 1,629 from the corresponding time in the previous year. In addition to those contracted doctors, there are also, in many cases, assistants providing services to medical card patients.
However, I would add that the whole issue of developing general practice in a strategic and structured way is a matter to which I am committed. In moving forward, I will have regard to the review of general medical practice, carried out by the health board chief executive officers, and the joint vision statement prepared by the Irish College of General Practitioners and the Irish Medical Organisation. In that context, the need to keep general practice as an area of high interest to medical graduates and professionals, will be fully considered.
Question No. 141 answered with Questions Nos. 51, 63 and 155.
