Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 1

Written Answers. - Health Board Services.

Willie Penrose

Question:

119 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to increase the numbers of general practitioners having regard to the recent call made by the chairman of the Irish College of General Practitioners for an increase in such numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3419/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

Officials of my Department have met with the Irish College of General Practitioners, ICGP, to discuss the development of general professional and general practice training in Ireland. Following these discussions the college submitted a position paper on the matter. I am very grateful to the ICGP for its input and expertise in this area. My Department will continue to work with the college and the training programmes towards the achievement of both the highest standards of GP training and the provision of the increasing number of general practitioners required for primary care services into the future. This is particularly important in the context of the manpower requirements to deliver the major enhancement of the level and nature of primary care services envisaged in the primary care strategy. For my part, I am committed to increasing the number of GP training places. Additional funding is being made available to the North-Western and Western Health Boards this year to facilitate an expansion of training places in their respective areas.