General Practitioner Services

Thursday, 9 September 2021

Questions (1051, 1052, 1053)

David Cullinane

Question:

1051. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated additional cost of universal general practitioner care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41663/21]

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1052. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated additional cost to introduce universal general practitioner care for each annualised income bracket starting with €0 to €14,999 and building in increments of €5,000 to €100,000 plus, in tabular form, including the population size of each bracket. [41664/21]

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David Cullinane

Question:

1053. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated additional cost of providing a general practitioner visit card for each annualised income bracket starting with €0 to €14,999 and building in increments of €5,000 to €100,000 plus, in tabular form, including the population size of each bracket. [41665/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1051 to 1053, inclusive. together.

GMS contractors receive a range of capitation rates, fee per service payments and practice supports. Extending GP care without charges to all citizens who do not currently hold a medical card or GP visit card would encompass a further 2.88 million people approximately. It is not possible to definitively calculate the cost of universal GP care without charges, as a whole or by annualised income brackets, given the wide range of payments and variables that have to be accounted for.

Such a calculation would require a complex and detailed modelling exercise to account for a range of demographic changes, future projections of service demands and variation in the number of GPs and the allowances that could be paid.

Additionally, the fees payable to GPs could only be determined following agreement with the IMO on the scope and content of the general practitioner service to be provided, as well as on the future of the various other supports provided to general practice.

Question No. 1052 answered with Question No. 1051.

Question No. 1053 answered with Question No. 1051.