Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
1527. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the Government’s plan to attract much needed GPs into the country notwithstanding the existing plan to train 350 GPs per year by 2026; the additional resources that are being provided to encourage GPs back into the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1621/23]
View answerGPs are private practitioners, most of whom hold a contract with the HSE for the provision of health services, such as the GMS contract for the provision of health services to medical card and GP visit card holders.
The Government is aware of the workforce issues currently facing general practice and is working to increase the number of GPs practicing across the country by improving recruitment and retention, to ensure patients continue to have access to GP services.
Under the 2019 GP Agreement additional annual expenditure provided for general practice has been increased now by €211.6m. This provides for significant increases in capitation fees for participating GMS GPs, and new fees and subsidies for additional services. Improvements to GP’s maternity and paternity leave arrangements, increased rural practice supports and a support for GPs in disadvantaged urban areas, have also been provided for.
These measures make general practice in Ireland a more attractive career choice for doctors. The number of doctors entering GP training has increased approximately ten percent year on year from 2019, rising from 193 in 2019 to 258 in 2022; a sign of the positive impact these measures are having.
In addition, the HSE is also collaborating with ICGP to implement an initiative approved by the Medical Council for recruitment of non EU doctors. The initiative will commence with 25 posts starting in January 2023, with a plan to extend by an additional 100 by the end of 2023. GPs recruited under this initiative will be able to take up an Irish GMS contract after 2 years.
Furthermore, due to commence shortly, a strategic review of GP services will be completed this year. The review, with input from key stakeholders, will examine the broad range of issues affecting general practice and will set out the measures necessary to deliver a sustainable general practice into the future.
