Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 May 2021
210. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the funding that is in place to provide island communities with dedicated general practitioners, nurses and healthcare facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23484/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Agreement reached in 2019 on GP Contractual Reforms and Service Development will see an increase in expenditure on GP services of €210 million over the period 2019 and 2023, providing for significant increases in capitation fees for all participating GPs, and the introduction of new fees and subsidies for additional services such as the chronic disease management programme.
The Agreement also includes measures aimed specifically at rural GPs, as well as practices in urban areas of deprivation. As part of this package, the financial allowance available to eligible GP practices for the Rural Practice Support Framework was increased by 10% from last year to a maximum of €22,000.
Additionally, the Agreement provides for the phased 28% increase in fees from 2020-2022 for dispensing doctors, GPs in rural areas that dispense medicines directly to patients who do not live within a reasonable distance of a retail pharmacy.
In relation to provision of GPs, nurses and healthcare facilities, the HSE continues to manage facilities on the Islands and on the mainland through the estates management process. Existing provision of GPs and nurses continues and services range from full time to sessional depending on the geographic area. Funding for these services continues to be provided through the existing HSE annual budget.
