Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
1641. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on work being done by his Department to develop career development pathways for GPs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17575/23]
View answerGPs are private practitioners, most of whom hold a GMS contract with the HSE for the provision of GP services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. Our model of general practice is based on private practice, which allows GPs to develop their practices and sub-specialisations in line with the particular needs of their patients and their own career ambitions.
The responsibility for GP training transferred from the HSE to the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) in 2021. 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, and a further large increase is planned for this year. It is aimed to have 350 training places available for new entrants per year by 2026.
The ICGP education programme also provides a wide range of continuous medical education for trained GPs and professional development opportunities to allow GPs to meet the relevant Medical Council requirements to maintain professional competence. Further training is available in clinical areas such as dermatology, older person care and women's health and also in areas of practice management.
Under the GMS scheme, a number of practice supports are provided for, including staff supports and supports for rural practices and practices in deprived urban areas. Contributions are also made to eligible GMS GPs towards locum expenses for leave taking purposes including study leave.
I recently published the Terms of Reference for a Strategic review of General Practice which is to commence shortly and will be completed this year. The review, with input from key stakeholders, will examine the broad range of issues affecting general practice, including issues related to GP training, and will set out the measures necessary to deliver a more sustainable general practice.
