Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2015
497. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners being trained at each level; his plans to increase this number; the number of applicants there are for training posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18588/15]
View answerThere are 14 GP Specialist (Vocational) Training Programmes currently in operation in Ireland. Doctors who wish to pursue GP training in Ireland may apply for a general practice training post in one of the 14 GP Training Programmes. Currently all GP training programmes are of 4 years duration and all trainees are required to complete 2 years in a hospital setting and 2 years in general practice with a GP trainer.
On 1 July 2010, the GP trainee intake increased from 120 to 157 training places per year. The HSE has recently been in discussion with the Irish College of General Practitioners about the potential to increase this year's trainee intake. This has resulted in an additional four training places for the July 2015 intake.
The HSE is currently engaged in a medical workforce planning project, which will include a workforce plan for GPs. When this work has been completed, it will assist in identifying GP requirements.
Information about the number of applicants for training places is a service matter. Therefore, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this issue. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
