Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2022
888. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners across the country who have registered as conscientious objectors and do not provide abortion care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34364/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra889. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners across the country who are unable to provide abortion services due to lack of resources or capacity issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34365/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 888 and 889 together.
GPs are private practitioners, most of whom hold contracts with the HSE for the provision of services on its behalf. GPs who wish to provide termination of pregnancy services may enter into a contract with the HSE to do so. Given this contractual arrangement, GPs are not required to register as conscientious objectors and the number of same is therefore not available.
The Government is aware of the manpower issues facing general practice and has taken measures to increase the number of GPs working in the State and consequently increase service capacity within general practice. As GPs are private practitioners, information is not held in regard to the capacity available at individual practices to provide certain services, however provision of the service concerned would not be considered as having a large impact on practice capacity. GPs are reimbursed by the HSE for services provided under the Termination of Pregnancy Service contract.
