Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 March 2018
386. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health his plans to roll back in total the FEMPI cuts imposed on general practitioners during the financial crisis in view of the difficulty in many practices in attracting general practitioners to take up positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11533/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs with other health professionals, General Practitioners were subject to fee reductions under FEMP. I acknowledge the contribution made by GPs and other health professionals who provide services under contract on behalf of the HSE, through reductions in the fees in respect of these services, to addressing the unprecedented economic crisis which the State faced over recent years.
I announced in November my intention to undertake a process of engagement with representative bodies of contracted health professionals aimed at putting in place a new multi-annual approach to fees, commencing in 2019, in return for service improvement and contractual reform and in line with Government priorities for the health service. Officials of my Department are also undertaking preparatory work with the Department of Public Expenditure and the HSE in relation to this important agenda. I expect engagement to begin shortly.
As at 1 January 2018, there were 25 GMS vacancies nationally. As there are currently almost 2,500 GPs contracted to provide services under the GMS scheme, this represents a relatively low percentage of vacancy of 1%. All vacancies are currently covered by a locum GP, therefore a GP service continues to be provided in all of the affected areas.
It should also be noted that, despite reductions to certain payment rates made under FEMPI legislation the number of GPs contracted under the GMS scheme has risen from 2,136 in 2009 to 2,484 as at 1st March 2018. Furthermore, the total fees paid to GPs under the GMS scheme have also increased during this period from just over €427 million in 2009 to approximately €517 million in 2017. This increase in fees is largely due to significant developments in GP services introduced in recent years, with more services being made available to our citizens and additional financial support provided by the HSE.
