General Practitioner Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 February 2022

Tuesday, 1 February 2022

Questions (777)

Colm Burke

Question:

777. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to providing an enhanced range of supports including but not exclusively tax relief to assist in the funding of premises or critical equipment, infrastructural equipment including information technology systems and medical equipment to assist general practitioners establishing practices particularly those starting off in their career; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5006/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

GPs are private contractors, most of whom hold contracts with the HSE for the provision of medical services such as contracts under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme for the provision of medical services without charge to patients who hold a medical card or GP visit card. In addition to direct remuneration for medical services provided under the GMS contract, the contract provides a range of GP practice supports including practice staff supports and supports for rural practices and for those working in disadvantaged urban areas. 

As GPs are self-employed practitioners, they therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. 

The 2019 GP Agreement 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, including ensuring the sustainability of the business model for practices.  The outcome of this review will inform future contractual changes.