Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 February 2024
333. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health if his Department will sanction an increase for GPs who are in receipt of district medical officer salaries, in view of the immense service that they provide in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5928/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraA small number of practicing GPs receive an allowance known as the District Medical Officer salary to support them in the delivery of services in areas with reduced GMS populations. Although usually referred to as a 'salary', it is not in fact a salary and the GPs concerned are not employees of the HSE.
My Department has received a request in relation to increasing the rate of payment to GPs in receipt of this allowance. We are currently considering this request but I am not yet in a position to indicate whether an increase will be possible.
It is worth noting that under the GMS scheme specific supports are in place to support GPs in rural areas. Rural GP practices may be eligible for a rural practice support package which was increased by 10% under the 2019 GP Agreement. 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 that Agreement. These supports in particular help sustain practices with smaller patient panels.
Furthermore, my Department and the HSE are currently undertaking a Strategic Review of General Practice. The review, with input from key stakeholders, will examine the broad range of issues affecting general practice, including issues related to GP capacity, and will set out the measures necessary to deliver a more sustainable general practice into the future. The provision of GP services in certain rural and urban deprived areas that are underserved, and the possible mechanisms to attract more GPs to these locations, is a specific issue that will be examined under the review.
