Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
1475. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the serious shortage of GP availability and GP appointment availability in the Dublin mid-west area; the steps that are being taken to increase GP provision in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12825/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraGPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. There is no prescribed ratio of GPs to patients and the State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in a town or community.
The Government is working to increase the number of GPs practicing in the State and thereby improve access to GP services across the country. Several measures have been taken to increase GP capacity, including increasing investment in general practice to support practices and make general practice a more attractive career choice, increasing the number of doctors training to become GPs, and establishing the non-EU GP Training Programme to rapidly bring more GPs to Ireland.
Under the 2019 GP Agreement additional annual expenditure provided for general practice was increased by €211.6m. This provided for significant increases in capitation fees for participating GMS GPs, and new fees for additional services and increased practice supports. The GP Agreement 2023 further increased GP capitation fees, increased the existing subsidy rates for practice staff, and introduced a grant support for additional staff capacity as well a practice staff maternity leave support.
These measures make general practice in Ireland a more attractive career choice for doctors. Figures released by the ICGP show that 1,311 medical graduates applied for GP training in 2024, a notable increase on the previous year and higher than any other year.
The number of doctors entering GP training has been increased significantly in recent years, with 286 new entrants in 2023 and 350 places planned for new entrants for this year. Annual intake to the GP training scheme has been increased by over 80% from 2015 to 2023, and the number of new entrant places to be available this year is a 22% increase on last year's intake.
Furthermore, GP recruitment is ongoing under the joint non-EU GP Training Programme between the HSE and Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP). 112 non-EU GPs were recruited last year under the training programme and it is planned to recruit up to 250 more non-EU GPs to Ireland this year. The placement of GPs under the programme is targeted to rural and underserviced areas.
Lastly, my Department and the HSE have commenced a Strategic Review of General Practice. The review, with input from key stakeholders, is examining the broad range of issues affecting general practice including issues related to GP capacity. When completed, the review will set out the measures necessary to deliver a more sustainable general practice into the future.
