Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 February 2022
654. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the strategic work which has been conducted to assess and plan for future staffing requirements, workload and demographic pressures in general practice and primary care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4362/22]
View answerThe Health Service Capacity Review 2018 estimated future capacity requirements in acute hospitals, primary care and in services for older persons (residential and homecare services) for the period to 2031. The analysis took account of current levels of demand and capacity, demographic and non-demographic factors that will drive future demand, and the potential impact that key system reforms can have on capacity needs.
“Projections of Expenditure for Primary, Community and Long-Term Care in Ireland, 2019–2035, based on the Hippocrates Model ” (July 2021) a research paper from the ESRI funded by the Department of Health, projects expenditure for most primary, community, and long-term health and social care services in Ireland for the years 2019–2035.
General Practitioners play an important role in the primary care system. Specific to general practice, the HSE National Doctor and Training publication Medical Workforce Planning Future Demand for General Practitioners 2015-2025 noted that to meet the demand for GPs that may be required by 2025, the State would require significant increases to the annual intake for GP postgraduate specialist training.
There has been a significant increase in the number of GPs entering training in recent years, up from 120 in 2009 to 233 in 2021, with large increases made in recent years. Further increases are expected following the transfer of responsibility for training from the HSE to the Irish College of General Practitioners.
The Government has undertaken several other measures to increase the attractiveness of general practice to prospective GPs. Under the 2019 GP Agreement investment in general practice is set to increase by approximately 40% (€210 million) between 2019 and 2023, providing for significant increases in capitation fees for participating GPs. Improvements to maternity and paternity leave arrangements have also been made, and supports introduced for rural practices and practices in areas of urban deprivation.
The 2019 GP Agreement also includes a commitment to undertake a strategic review of GP services within the lifetime of the Agreement, to examine how best to ensure the provision of GP services in Ireland for the future. The outcome of this review will inform future contractual changes.
