Danny Healy-Rae
Question:147. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health for an update on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45474/24]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 November 2024
147. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health for an update on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45474/24]
View answerGPs 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.
Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. Currently there are 2,554 GPs contracted to provide services under the GMS Scheme.
Where a vacancy arises in a practice with a GMS contract, the HSE becomes actively involved in the recruitment process to find a replacement GP. As of the 1st of October, there are no GMS GP vacancies in Rathmore.
The Government is aware of the workforce issues currently facing general practice, including the limited access to GP services in certain areas, and is working to ensure that general practice is sustainable in all areas into the future.
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.
The number of doctors entering GP training has been increased significantly in recent years, with 286 new entrants in 2023 and 350 places made available for new entrants for this year. Annual intake to the GP training scheme has been increased by 80% from 2019 to 2024 and by 21% since last year alone.
Furthermore, the recruitment of GPs from abroad is ongoing under the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP Programme. 75 IMG GPs commenced in practice under the programme in 2023; recruitment is continuing this year and funding has been provided to recruit up to 250 more GPs from outside Ireland to the country next year.
Lastly, a Strategic Review of General Practice is underway. The review, with input from key stakeholders, is examining the broad range of issues affecting general practice including issues related to GP capacity. When completed, the review will set out the measures necessary to deliver a more sustainable general practice into the future.