Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023
526. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health if his Department currently measures the number of people unable to access GP services in their area; and if so, if he will provide the figures, in tabular form. [49660/23]
View answerGPs are private practitioners, most of whom hold a contract with the HSE for the provision of health services. Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. People who do not hold a medical card or GP visit card access GP services on a private basis and can make enquiries directly to any GP practice they wish to register with.
As GPs are private practitioners, and as people who do not hold a medical card or GP visit card access GPs service on a private basis, neither the Department of Health nor the HSE hold the information requested. For GMS patients unable to locate a GP themselves, the Health Service Executive may assign an eligible person to be included on a medical practitioner's GMS list, in accordance with the GMS contract.
