Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2022
764. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health the number of medical practitioners providing services under the general medical services scheme in June 2022; the corresponding figure for February 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33693/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn February 2020 2,511 GPs held a GMS contract and a further 472 GPs not contracted to the GMS scheme were registered with another HSE scheme. As of this month, 2,551 GPs hold a GMS contract and a further 535 GPs not contracted to the GMS scheme are registered with another HSE scheme.
The Government has taken numerous measures to increase the number of GPs working in the State and who hold a GMS contract, improving access to GP services for patients throughout the country.
Under the 2019 GP Agreement additional annual expenditure provided for general practice has to date been increased by €206.6m and is set to increase to €211.6m per annum next year when the Agreement is fully rolled out. This provides for significant increases in capitation fees for participating GMS GPs, and new fees and subsidies for additional services. Improvements to GP’s maternity and paternity leave arrangements, increased rural practice supports and a support for GPs in disadvantaged urban areas, have also been provided for.
The number of GPs entering training has increased steadily over the past number of years, rising from 120 in 2009 to 233 in 2021. 258 places will be available this year. The transfer of GP training from the HSE to the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) which was concluded in 2021 will allow for the introduction of a new service model for GP training in Ireland and the further expansion GP training capacity in the years ahead. The ICGP aims to have 350 training places available for new entrants per year by 2026.
