General Practitioner Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 June 2015

Wednesday, 10 June 2015

Ceisteanna (143)

Michael Creed

Ceist:

143. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the renegotiation of the general practitioner contract; if he is aware of the range of concerns being expressed by rural general practitioners regarding the difficulty in attracting general practitioners to rural areas; and the impact of the abolition of distance codes; the consideration he is giving to State funded locum cover in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22600/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Under the February 2015 Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive and the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), talks have commenced on a new GMS GP contract. It is envisaged that the review of the GMS contract and other publicly funded health sector contracts with GPs will include consideration of how best to support General Practice in urban/deprived and rural areas so as to best meet the needs of patients with regard to the provision of general practitioner services.