Written Answers Nos. 121-140
121. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health when he intends to publish an action plan for implementation of the Disability Capacity Review recommendations relevant to the specialist services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50434/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Health published the Disability Capacity Review in July 2021. This report set out the capacity requirements for health-funded disability services for the period up to 2032 and it is intended to address the capacity deficits in a phased approach over this period. This reflects the obligation under the UNCRPD for progressive implementation of social, cultural and economic rights.
In order to drive the process of implementing the recommendations of the Capacity Review, a Working Group was set up to develop an Action Plan for Disability Services. This group has now completed its work and the draft Action Plan, which will be an implementation plan for the first phase, is currently being finalised for approval.
122. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health when staff in private nursing homes will receive the pandemic bonus payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52419/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers, for their efforts during this most challenging period.
To recognise their unique role during the pandemic, the Government announced a COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers. Eligibility guidelines for this payment, as applies in HSE and Section 38 organisations, were published by the HSE on 19th April and are available on the HSE website.
Separately, information will be available shortly for the other certain healthcare employees who are covered by the Government Decision, detailing the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff. This will cover eligible staff in six cohorts:
Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;
Agency roles working in the HSE;
Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
Redeployed members of Defence Forces to work in the HSE;
Paramedics employed by Local Authorities
The HSE has tendered for an external provider to assist in setting up and implementing the process of gathering required information from the relevant employers in cohorts 1-4 above, to facilitate payment of the Pandemic Recognition Payment to their eligible staff. In accordance with public procurement guidelines, from the time a preferred tenderer is selected by the HSE, a standstill period of 14 days must also be observed before any contract can come into effect. I am eager for an efficient rollout to begin very shortly as this contract comes into force.
Question No. 123 answered with Question No. 108.
124. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health his views on whether Ireland's national action plan on antimicrobial resistance is sufficiently robust to address the significant issue of antimicrobial resistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51007/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAntimicrobial Resistance (AMR) arises when an infective organism develops resistance and can no longer be treated with antimicrobials. It is mainly associated with antibiotics but also occurs with other antimicrobials including antivirals and antifungals. Effective treatments are important to treat and prevent infections and minimise morbidly and mortality (e.g. sepsis). They are also required for the delivery of many modern healthcare interventions, including chemotherapy, major surgery, organ transplantation and neonatal care.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that AMR is one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. In recognition of the serious challenge posed by AMR, AMR has been included in Ireland’s National Risk Assessment since 2014.
National Action Plans on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) are an international commitment for Member Stares of both the European Commission and the WHO. Ireland’s first National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2017-2020, known as iNAP1, was developed jointly by the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and was published in October 2017.
The successor plan, Ireland’s second One Health National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2021-2025, known as iNAP2, was published jointly by the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in November 2021. Importantly, it includes learning from both the CPE and COVID-19 Public Health Emergencies and the Report of the European Commission / European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control One Health Country Monitoring Visit on AMR to Ireland in 2019. It also aligns with the Department of Health Statement of Strategy 2021 – 2023 and the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future.
Both plans adopt a One Health approach and align to the five Strategic Objectives as outlined in the WHO Global Action Plan (2015) and the requirements of the European Action Plan on AMR (2017). iNAP2 includes 90 actions specific to human health across these objectives. In addition, it also includes 15 One Health actions agreed across the human health, animal health and environment sectors.
The goal of the One Health concept is to encourage multidisciplinary collaborative efforts across different sectors such as human health, animal health, agriculture, and the environment to achieve the optimal health outcomes for people and animals. It advocates a “whole of society” approach, recognising that the health of people is connected to the health of animals and the environment. It has been acknowledged globally that a One Health approach is the most effective way to address the global AMR challenge. This is promoted by both the WHO and the European Commission.
The human health actions in iNAP2 have been developed through engagement with internal and external stakeholders and the expert advisory input of the Patient Safety Council.
The approach to iNAP2 actions was based on three Guiding Principles:
Patient-centred approach, founded on integrated care in line with Sláintecare;
Developing iNAP2 with a focus on people, including patients, service users, staff, stakeholders and the public;
Ensuring that learning from the COVID-19 Pandemic is incorporated, focusing on infection prevention and control as an enabler for safe care.
A mid-term review of the Human Health actions in iNAP2 is planned for 2023. This will ensure that ongoing learnings from the COVID-19 Pandemic are captured to inform the remainder of the lifecycle of the Plan.
On the same day as the publication of iNAP2, the HSE published the HSE 2022-2025 Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control (AMRIC) Action Plan. This supports the delivery of iNAP2 and outlines the delivery and implementation of the human health actions under their remit.
Since 2018, there has been over €25m in new development funding to support activities in the Human Health sector including the funding and approval for the recruitment of 345 additional full-time posts across a range of IPC and AMR roles.
Antimicrobial Resistance poses a significant challenge to human, animal, and environmental health. iNAP2 provides the roadmap to help address this challenge over the lifecycle of the plan. The Department of Health is committed to continuing to work with colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and HSE AMRIC, and to engaging with other stakeholders across the One Health sectors, to progress implementation of the actions under iNAP2.
125. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Health the number of the additional 23 specialist nurses in adult neurology services who will be allocated to Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52462/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
126. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when additional supports will be provided to small-scale nursing home providers in view of the substantial pressures on such providers due to increased costs at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52111/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the specific challenges faced by the nursing homes sector related to price inflation and increased energy costs. It is imperative that nursing homes manage potential cost pressures in line with their regulatory and contractual responsibilities, maintaining their quality of care so that residents’ lived experience and comfort is not affected.
The Government has provided substantial supports to the nursing home sector over the course of the pandemic. Over €144 million has been claimed by nursing homes under the Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme (TAPS) since its introduction in 2020. The Government has now agreed to extend TAPS to the end of the year by maintaining the availability of Outbreak Assistance support.
Substantial additional supports have also been provided by the HSE in terms of serial testing, PPE, the deployment of specialist teams and other services. Many of these supports continue.
Budget 2023 saw an additional €180 million of funding for services for older people for winter 2022 and into 2023, building on unprecedented increases of recent years. This will bring investment in these services to over €2.4 billion in 2023, including nearly €12 million of new developments. Prior to Budget Day Minister Butler stated that her priority was to secure additional funding for Budget 2023 to ensure the continuation of all services to a high standard. Long-term residential care will be supported through additional funding for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) to maintain services and manage inflationary increases.
In addition, a significant fund of up to €100m has been allocated this year to support community based service providers who are such an essential pillar in the provision of Health services across country. This fund is being made available in recognition of the challenges being faced by the sector in delivering and maintaining key health and social care services against a backdrop of increased inflationary pressures affecting energy, heating and related costs. These organisations are funded through the HSE to deliver a range of health and social care services on behalf of the HSE to communities around Ireland. This includes residential, day and ancillary services for people with a disability, older people, mental health services, palliative care services, addiction services and other health and social care services provided in the community.
The details of the plan are being finalised. It is proposed that the inflation support fund will be administered by the HSE utilising the mechanisms in place for funding eligible organisations in receipt of Service Level Arrangements and Grant Aid Agreements. These arrangements are already in place with organisations that provide key health and social care services for people in Ireland. It is proposed that payments will be made to eligible organisations in the final quarter of 2022 to meet the pressures of this coming winter. Many eligible organisations may be already operating within a context of increased inflationary pressures, while others may only begin to experience same as winter progresses.
For providers of long-term residential care who participate in the nursing home support scheme, funding will be allocated through the established mechanism of the Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme. Precise details of the scheme are being finalised and will be communicated in the coming days.
To address strategic workforce challenges in the nursing home and home care sector, a Cross-Departmental Strategic Workforce Advisory Group (SWAG) was established in March 2022 and published a report on October 15th outlining 16 key recommendations spanning the areas of recruitment and retention, pay and conditions and overall sectoral reform. I strongly endorse the Group’s recommendations to address the critical shortage of care workers in Ireland and a dedicated Implementation Group will start to progress these immediately.
Funding to support people to access services in the sector continues to be provided in line with the long-established statutory mechanisms under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009. This is the mechanism established by the Oireachtas to provide for the processes relating to funding under the NHSS and the negotiation of prices for services for private and voluntary providers with the designated State agency, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). Maximum prices for individual nursing homes are agreed with the NTPF following negotiations and based on the NTPF’s cost criteria. These criteria include costs reasonably incurred by the nursing home, local market prices, historic prices and overall budgetary capacity.
The NTPF carry out this role independently under the NHSS Act 2009. The NTPF has statutory independence, and there is no role for Ministers or the Department of Health in these negotiations. The Department of Health published a review of the NTPF pricing system in June 2021. It recommended several actions to improve the pricing system which are now being taken forward by the Department of Health and the NTPF.
127. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if the manpower planning exercise for Ireland's health service needs has identified the most immediate gaps to be filled and the longer-term needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51945/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
128. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health his views on a report (details supplied) into the conditions at University Hospital Limerick. [52052/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the publication of Deloitte’s report on 30 September 2022, which outlines patient flow challenges experienced within University Hospital Limerick (UHL) and Deloitte's recommendations in this regard. This report provides an important opportunity for a renewed focus on measures to improve the quality and safety of emergency services delivered to the people of the Midwest region by University Hospital Limerick.
The Deloitte review was commissioned by the CEO of the University of Limerick Hospital Group in March this year. The primary objectives of the review were to identify the source of patient flow challenges in UHL and determine possible opportunities to enhance the existing approach and reflect on the effectiveness and impact of patient flow initiatives introduced to date. The report includes recommendations relating to process, supporting infrastructure, staffing, and ICT. While some of the recommendations can be implemented locally, others require an integrated response with community services.
In parallel to this review, the HSE’s Performance Management and Improvement Unit (PMIU) has led an intensive engagement with UHL team members throughout the summer in response to my concerns about the hospital raised with the HSE in April this year.
The PMIU are cognisant of both the findings and recommendations of the Deloitte report and those of the HIQA report following HIQA's unannounced inspection of the ED in Limerick in March. The recommendations of these reviews will continue to inform planning for University Hospital Limerick, including the bespoke initiatives for UL Hospitals Group and CHO Mid-West that form part of the HSE Winter Plan 2022/2023 and the longer-term national 3-year Unscheduled Care Improvement Plan that is in development by the HSE.
129. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the 2022 budgets for the dental treatment services scheme, school dental scheme and the public PRSI-based scheme in CHO8. [52179/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) is a demand-led scheme which provides dental care, free of charge, to medical card holders aged 16 and over. To date in 2022, €4.86 million has been spent under the DTSS in the CHO8 area.
The HSE Public Dental Service provides care for children up to 16 years of age, including emergency care for all, a fissure sealant programme for 2nd and 6th classes and referral and care for orthodontics. The data requested by the Deputy is being collated by the HSE and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme comes under the remit of the Minister for Social Protection. Eligibility for this Scheme is based on a person satisfying certain PRSI conditions. I understand that to date in 2022, €4.02 million has been paid in claims in CHO8.
130. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the steps that he is taking to ensure there is sufficient GP capacity in light of the free GP care provided in Budget 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51385/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra375. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health when the expansion in the GP visit card and medical card scheme, as announced in Budget 2023, will be brought into effect; if there will be a recruitment campaign to facilitate this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52685/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 375 together.
As announced, Budget 2023 will increase the eligibility of people for General Practice (GP) access cards. The scheme will be expanded to cover all children aged 6 and 7 by the end of 2022 and, from 1 April 2023, eligibility will be extended to people who earn the median household income of €46,000 or less. It will be adjusted for people living alone and for those with children; further operational details will be made available prior to the commencement of the income-based expansion.
It is envisaged that these measures will be supported by a significant package of additional capacity supports to GP practices. Engagement with the GP representative organsisation is expected to continue to determine how best to utilise these additional supports.
The proposed package of capacity supports announced in Budget 2023 builds on steps already taken by the Government to increase the number of GPs working throughout the country.
Under the 2019 GP Agreement the additional annual expenditure provided for general practice will have increased to €211.6m per annum by 2023. 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 258 in 2022. Following the transfer of GP training from the HSE to the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP), the ICGP aims to have 350 training places available for new entrants per year by 2026.
Furthermore, preparatory work has commenced on a strategic review of GP services to examine how best to ensure the provision of GP services in Ireland for the future. The review will examine the broad range of issues affecting general practice and will set out the measures necessary to deliver a sustainable general practice.
131. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the roll-out of the winter flu vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51378/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2022/23 influenza immunisation programme commenced on 3 October 2022. The flu vaccine is available free of charge to adults over 65 years, individuals in specified at-risk groups and children aged from 2 to 17 years of age. This programme ensures that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza will have access to the flu vaccination without a charge.
There are two types of flu vaccine available this year. The nasal spray flu vaccine is available for all children aged 2 -17 and an injectable vaccine is available for all other eligible groups.
Over 2,500 GPs and Pharmacies are administering the free HSE flu vaccines this season. Residents of HIQA registered Nursing Homes and all house-bound patients will be offered the flu vaccine from a HSE mobile vaccination team.
Further data on uptake rates in the recommended groups will be provided by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) during the season.
Operational responsibility for the rollout of the vaccine is with the HSE.
Further information on the at-risk groups can be found through the following link: Getting the flu vaccine - HSE.ie
www2.hse.ie/conditions/flu/getting-the-vaccine/.
132. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 100 of 12 July 2022, if the examination by his Department of the HSE’s strategic assessment report regarding the new emergency department in University Hospital Galway has been completed to date; the status of the updated preliminary business case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52191/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new Emergency Department (ED) and Women & Children’s block for University Hospital Galway (UHG) is a large and complex proposal. It is in the early stages of design development under the Public Spending Code (PSC) lifecycle.
The updated PSC aims to ensure that maximum value for money can be achieved for the taxpayer through disciplined project evaluation, preparation and implementation. The PSC outlines the processes, decision gates, and requirements at each of those gates for capital investment proposals in excess of €100m. The requirements of each of these stages must be comprehensively addressed in order to receive approval-in-principle to proceed to the next stage of the PSC.
The original proposal was for a new multi-story ED block at an estimated cost of €65-€120m. However, as a result of service-led demands, there has been very significant increase in the scale and ambition for the Galway site and the proposal now incorporates a new ED, a new Maternity Department, and a new Paediatric Department, and would likely require capital investment in the order of hundreds of millions of euro.
In the meantime, an interim ED, which can serve as enabling work for the larger proposal, was substantially completed in July 2022 and, after a commissioning/equipping/training phase, opened earlier this month- over the weekend of 8-9 October. This interim ED has more capacity with 43-patient bays compared to 34-bays in the pre-COVID ED. It will also provide 43 single, closed cubicles and extra resuscitation bays, providing greater dignity and privacy for patients.
The ambition for the proposal at UHG and the investment required is therefore not insignificant. Investment decisions must be clearly linked to core national policy objectives. The Strategic Assessment Report for this proposal is still being reviewed to determine its alignment with the various national strategies and policies that the proposal crosscuts. It is expected that this will be concluded in coming weeks.
Once the Departmental review of the SAR is complete, it will be submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) for review. If DPER finds that the SAR provides a basis to proceed, approval to develop the proposal by means of a Preliminary Business Case at Decision Gate 1 of the PSC can be granted.
133. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if the winter plans will result in any permanent increase in acute hospital bed numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52420/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the delivery of additional bed capacity is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
134. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the steps that he proposes to take to increase the number of general practitioners in rural areas. [52235/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. The State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in a town or community.
Where a vacancy arises in a practice with a GMS contract, the HSE becomes actively involved in the recruitment process to find a replacement GP. It is acknowledged that certain rural GMS vacancies can be difficult to fill. As of the 1st of October, there were 25 GMS GP vacancies, 13 of which were in rural areas. For this reason, in addition to the more general measures taken to increase the number of GPs in the State and the significant increases in investment into general practice, specific supports are in place to support GPs in rural areas.
Under the 2019 GP Agreement, the Government is increasing annual investment in general practice by approximately 40% (€210 million) between 2019 and 2023. The Agreement provides for an increase in capitation fees for GPs, additional services, improved family arrangements as well as a targeted €2 million fund to support to practices in deprived urban areas.
An enhanced supports package for rural GP practices was introduced previously to support rural GPs, these supports have been increased by 10% under the 2019 GP Agreement. In addition, practices in receipt of rural practice supports attract the maximum allowable rates for practice staff support subsidies and locum contributions for leave taking. Specific fees are also in place for dispensing doctors (who operate in rural areas), these have been increased by 28% under the Agreement.
A steady increase has been seen in the number of doctors entering GP training over recent years, rising from 120 in 2009 to 258 in 2022. 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.
These measures will see an increase in the number of GPs working in the State, improving access to GP services for patients throughout the country.
My Department and the HSE are preparing to commence shortly a strategic review of GP services to examine how best to ensure the provision of GP services in Ireland for the future. The review will examine the broad range of issues affecting general practice in general and in rural areas specifically, and will set out the measures necessary to deliver a better general practice.
135. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the location of the elective hospital in Cork; and when it will be fully operational. [52394/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra140. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health when a site will be identified for the building of a new elective hospital for Cork; the timeline for the design, applying for planning and building of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52293/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra143. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the status of the new elective hospital in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52089/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 135, 140 and 143 together.
In December 2021, the Government agreed a new National Elective Ambulatory Care Strategy. This aims to change the way in which day case, scheduled procedures, surgeries, scans and outpatient services can be better arranged and ensure greater capacity in the future. It will also help to address waiting lists on a national level through the provision of dedicated, standalone facilities in Cork, Galway and Dublin.
The development of the elective hospital proposals is following the process outlined in the updated Public Spending Code. This sets out the value for money requirements for the evaluation, planning, and management of large public investment projects. A Programme Preliminary Business Case has been reviewed by my Department and shared with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. A project-level Preliminary Business Case for Cork is now complete and has been reviewed under the newly introduced External Assurance Process. Feedback from the review has been incorporated as required and the PBC has been submitted for review by the Department of Public Expenditure’s Major Projects Advisory Group. Once this process has concluded, a Memorandum will be brought to Government for its consideration/approval, including a recommendation on a site option in Cork.
In parallel, work has also commenced to ensure a smooth transition to the next phase of Public Spending Code Gate 2 - Detailed Project Design, Planning and Procurement - and to ensure the necessary structures and workstreams can be progressed at pace, including articulating the clinical service and operating model including separation of scheduled and unscheduled care pathways, procurement strategy, design for planning approvals and stakeholder engagement arrangements.
It is not possible to estimate a timeline for the design, applying for planning and building of the new facilities; however, based on current plans it is intended that they would open in 2027 and be fully operational from 2028.
136. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Health the number of children's disability network teams in both CHO1 and CHO2; the locations in which each team is based; the numbers of staff in WTE terms approved for each team; the numbers currently assigned to each team; the number of vacant positions on each team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52461/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
137. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the status of the independent review into the radiation therapy profession following agreement at the Workplace Relations Commission last year between an organisation (details supplied) the HSE and the Department of Health; the timeline for completion of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52300/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn independent radiation therapist review has been agreed between the HSE, Department of Health and SIPTU, under the auspices of the WRC.
This strategic review of Radiation Therapy will support the objectives of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 and help address the increasing and more complex demand for radiation oncology. Cancer cases are increasing in line with our ageing and growing population, and the NCCP estimates that up to 60% of patients will require radiation oncology for primary treatment and palliative care in coming years.
Radiation Therapists are highly skilled professionals regulated by CORU. The Review will align with the National Cancer Strategy, taking account of the increasing demand for radiation oncology, the advances in technology, increased specialisation and more targeted treatment. The review will consider issues such as organisation structure, career development in line with Health and Social Care Professional Frameworks, strategic workforce planning and recruitment and retention strategies.
A Chair for the Review has been identified and agreed between the parties with an initial meeting scheduled for early November. The timeline for the review will be agreed in conjunction with the Chair.
All outcomes of the review will be given due consideration by the Department of Health. Implementation of any recommendations from the review are subject to approval from the Departments of Health and Public Expenditure and Reform.
138. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the total number of nurses who have retired before reaching retirement age in the State in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022. [51706/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
139. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the engagement that he has had recently with an organisation (details supplied). [51609/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe dates of meetings between officials of my Department and the GP representative organisation so far this year in respect of the extension of GP care without charges and GP issues are provided below. Meetings were held in a variety of formats, both formal and informal and including one remote meeting. A range of GP related issues were discussed at various meetings including the expansion of GP care without charges to children aged between 6 & 12 inclusive, the extension of care to include only children aged 6 & 7, and the expansion of GP care without charges to all earning no more than the median income.
|
Date of Meeting |
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31 March 2022 |
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7 April 2022 |
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13 April 2022 |
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27 April 2022 |
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11 May 2022 |
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18 May 2022 |
|
30 June 2022 |
|
7 July 2022 |
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14 July 2022 |
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21 July 2022 |
|
04 August 2022 |
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15 September 2022 |
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22 September 2022 |
As announced, Budget 2023 will increase the eligibility of people for General Practice (GP) access cards. The scheme will be expanded to cover all children aged 6 and 7 by the end of 2022 and, from 1 April 2023, eligibility will be extended to people who earn the median household income of €46,000 or less. It is envisaged that these measures will be supported by a significant package of additional capacity supports to GP practices, and that engagement with the GP representative organisation will continue as to how best to utilise these additional supports.
The Government is aware of the workforce issues currently facing general practice, including the limited access to GP services in certain areas. It has implemented a number of measures and increased investment in general practice significantly to improve recruitment and retention.
Under the 2019 GP Agreement between the Department of Health, the HSE and IMO, over €210 million in annual funding has been committed to provide for a more sustainable general practice. The number of GPs entering training has increased steadily over the past number of years, rising from 120 in 2009 to 258 in 2022, and following the transfer of GP training from the HSE to the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP), the ICGP aims to have 350 training places available for new entrants per year by 2026.
