Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 November 2015
163. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on the claims advanced by the National Association of General Practitioners that the average waiting time for a patient to see a general practitioner has more than tripled in just five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38530/15]
View answer164. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if any impact analysis on the waiting times for general practitioners has been carried out on the introduction of the free general practitioner care for under sixes plan; if any such analysis is planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38531/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 164 together.
I am aware that the National Association of General Practitioners (NAGP) published a press statement on 27 October with results from a survey of GPs concerning waiting times. It is difficult to comment on this survey in the absence of further information on the survey methodology and the basis on which comparisons were made as between wait-times in 2010 and in 2015.
The Government is committed to the continued development of primary care and to modernising the scope and content of GP contracts. In this context, the HSE, the Department of Health and the Irish Medical Organisation are currently engaged in a comprehensive review of the General Medical Services (GMS) and other publicly funded health sector contracts involving GPs. This review is taking place within the context of the Framework Agreement which was signed by the above named parties in June 2014. The impact of the introduction of universal GP care for children under 6 years on visitation rates will be considered as part of this review.
