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General Practitioner Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 February 2013

Thursday, 14 February 2013

Questions (37)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

37. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the way he plans to increase the number of general practitioners here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7497/13]

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Written answers

Separate reports in 2009 by FÁS, ESRI and the Competition Authority and in 2010 by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children referred to the General Practitioner (GP) manpower issue and stated that 120 training places per year were not sufficient to meet the demands of a growing and ageing population. They recommended that the number of GP training places be increased to 150. In July 2010, the GP trainee intake increased from 120 to 157 training places per year. The Department commissioned research in 2011 to develop a model of demand for and supply of GP and practice nurse services. The outcome is a functional and adaptable Excel spreadsheet model which can be used in assessing future GP manpower needs.

The Health (Provision of General Practitioner Services) Act 2012 came into effect on 12 March 2012. This legislation eliminates restrictions on fully qualified and trained GPs wishing to obtain contracts to treat public patients under the GMS contract. It will encourage more young GPs to remain in Ireland and to establish their practice here and will make it more attractive for GPs to move here from overseas. As of 31st November 2012, a total of 97 GPs had obtained a GMS contract since the new legislation came into effect and a further 33 applications are being processed/awaiting Garda clearance, etc. On 31st December 2012, there were over 2,800 GPs, 2,368 of whom are GMS contract holders.

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