Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2015
648. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of general practitioners, per capita, for the years 2011 to 2014 and for 2015 to date, by county; his views on whether there are sufficient general practitioners to meet demands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28909/15]
View answer668. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health to set down the number of general practitioners currently active within the State; the population to general practitioner ratio; and how this compares with the European Union average. [29038/15]
View answer669. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied with the numbers of general practitioners joining the health service [29039/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 648, 668 and 669 together.
The OECD Health Data 2014 shows the number of General Practitioners (GPs) per 1,000 population in Ireland in 2014 was approximately 0.78. The OECD average number of GPs across OECD countries in 2013 was approximately 0.68 per 1,000 population (not enough countries have reported back, as yet, to give a 2014 average). It should be noted that figures for some countries exclude trainees, while others (including Ireland) include all registered GPs.
The OECD Health Data 2013 shows the average number of General Practitioners (GPs) per 1,000 population across OECD countries in 2011 was approximately 0.68. It also shows that Ireland had approximately 0.73 GPs per 1,000 population in 2013. It should be noted that figures for some countries exclude trainees, while others (including Ireland) include all registered GPs.
The HSE is currently engaged in medical workforce planning, which includes workforce planning for GPs. This work is being carried out within the HSE's National Doctor Training and Planning Unit where a medical workforce planning system is due to be completed and implemented shortly. The system will be based on a statistical model of supply and demand for medical specialists, which will be informed by expert stakeholders, population and medical workforce data. Both entrants into and exits from the workforce will be accounted for. Furthermore, a measure of patient need and the demand for medical specialist services will be determined and included in the statistical model. Medical workforce planning for General Practice is being prioritised in the development of workforce projections based on both the supply of GPs and the demand for GP services over the next 10 years.
As the information requested by the Deputy in relation to GP numbers by County is not routinely provided to my Department, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply directly to the Deputy on these matters. 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.
