I propose to take Questions Nos. 497 and 498 together.
GP recruitment is ongoing under the joint HSE and ICGP non-EU GP Training Programme. 112 non-EU GPs were recruited last year under the training programme with 75 having started in GP practice at year end.
Under the programme, doctors work in general practice for a 2-year period following which they can take up an Irish GMS contract (the normal training period is four years). The programme targets the placement of GPs to rural areas and areas with lower levels of services provision. This will further increase capacity in general practice and access to services in these areas.
Following the programme’s success in 2023, funding has been made available for the planned recruitment of up to 250 more non-EU GPs this year.