Dinny McGinley
Question:92 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children the efforts he has made to address the current manpower crisis in general practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18440/04]
View answerTuesday, 22 June 2004
Questions (95)
Written answers
The issue of manpower in general practice in the new primary care settings is being addressed by the HR education and training subgroup of the primary care national steering group. Representatives from the Irish Medical Organisation and the Irish College of General Practitioners are on this group along with other stakeholders.
The intake of trainees into general practice vocational training programmes in recent years has increased from 55 in 1998 to 84 in 2003, reflecting an acknowledgement that provisions had to be made to ensure for the future manpower needs in general practice. In fact, 186 applications were received for inclusion in the GP training schemes in 2003, giving a clear indication that general practice is still an attractive specialist option for graduates. In view of the recruitment and retention needs of general practitioners, my Department is consulting with the Irish College of General Practitioners with a view to achieving an increase of up to 50% in the number of training places available.
My Department has provided €1.314 million in 2003 for GP vocational training schemes and will seek to maintain and, I hope, increase funding in this area, as resources permit.