Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 February 2024
59. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the measures he and his Department have in place to address the severe shortage of GPs in the south Kildare area, to address the fact that there is an almost two week wait to obtain a GP appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9740/24]
View answer64. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health what steps are being taken to increase the number of GPs available in the country; if all options are being taken to recruit from abroad to fill the gap in service; how the increase in population has increased the demand for services as well; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9413/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 64 together.
GPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. There is no prescribed ratio of GPs to patients and the State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in a town or community.
The Government is aware of the workforce issues currently facing general practice, and that these challenges limit access to GP services in certain areas and can impact on the timely provision of care. While some issues are specific to certain areas, there is undoubtedly a general increase in demand for GP services due in part to demographics and our aging population.
The Government has implemented a range of measures in recent years to increase the number of GPs practicing in the State so that patients across the country have access to GP services.
Under the 2019 GP Agreement additional annual expenditure provided for general practice was increased by €211.6m. This provided for significant increases in capitation fees for participating GMS GPs, and new fees for additional services and increased practice supports. The GP Agreement 2023 further increased GP capitation fees, increased the existing subsidy rates for practice staff, and introduced a grant support for additional staff capacity as well a practice staff maternity leave support.
These measures make general practice in Ireland a more attractive career choice for doctors. Figures released by the ICGP show that 1,311 medical graduates applied for GP training in 2024, a notable increase on the previous year and higher than any other year.
The number of doctors entering GP training has been increased significantly in recent years, with 286 new entrants in 2023 and 350 places planned for new entrants for this year. Annual intake to the GP training scheme has been increased by over 80% from 2015 to 2023, and the number of new entrant places to be available this year is a 22% increase on last year's intake.
Furthermore, GP recruitment is ongoing under the joint non-EU GP Training Programme between the HSE and ICGP. 112 non-EU GPs were recruited last year under the training programme, of which 84 were in practice by the end of January. I have secured funding to recruit up to 250 more non-EU GPs to Ireland this year. The placement of GPs under the programme is targeted to rural and underserviced areas.
Finally, my Department and the HSE have commenced a Strategic Review of General Practice. The review, with input from key stakeholders, is examining the issues affecting general practice including issues related to GP capacity. The Review will examine the possible use of salaried GPs and others ways to bring GPs to underserved areas. When completed, a report will be presented to me setting out the measures necessary to deliver a more sustainable general practice into the future.
