Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2019
402. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the number of practices likely to benefit in view of the recent announcement of €2 million per annum investment to support general practitioner practices in areas of high deprivation; the areas of high deprivation that will benefit from this funding in tabular form; the way in which the areas of high deprivation are being quantified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27624/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased that we have recently been able to conclude an agreement with the Irish Medical Organisation on a major package of GP contractual reforms which will benefit patients and make general practice a more attractive career option for doctors.
The outcome of the talks process is a comprehensive service development and reform agreement in return for significant phased increases in funding for general practice services provided by GPs to medical card and GP visit card patients.
As part of the deal, it has been agreed that the GP rural practice allowance will be increased in 2020 and that targeted funding of €2 million will be set aside to provide additional support to practices in deprived urban areas. The full details in relation to how the latter arrangements will operate, including the most appropriate basis on which to determine the extent of deprivation as it relates to the provision of GP services, will be developed by the HSE in consultation with my Department over the coming months.
