Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 February 2022
399. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the full-year cost of all staffing subsidies provided to general practitioners as part of the GMS contract for the years 2016 to 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10719/22]
View answer409. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the full extent of staffing subsidies given to general practitioners as part of the GMS contract; the nature of the subsidy; the terms and conditions that apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10729/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 399 and 409 together.
Under the GMS scheme, GPs are paid a subsidy towards the cost of employing a practice nurse and/or a practice secretary. Payments are made to participating GPs with a panel size of at least 100 GMS patients on a pro rata basis, with the maximum payment made to panels of 1,200 or more patients. Group practices may also qualify for a subsidy to employ a practice manager.
As the specific issues raised are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
