Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2026
115. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an overview of medical card contracts her Department has with general practitioners in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4958/26]
View answerGPs are private practitioners, most of whom hold a GMS contract with the HSE for the provision of GP services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. As of the start of the month, there are 3,232 GPs who hold at least one contract with the HSE for the provision of medical services, including 2,598 GPs who hold a GMS contract. There are currently (January 2026) 53 GPs in LHO Clare who hold a GMS contract, and a further 3 GPs in Clare who don't hold a GMS contract but do hold another HSE contract.
As per the Programme for Government, the Government is committed to increasing the number of practicing GPs in the State and thereby improving access for patients. Investment in general practice has been significantly increased under the 2019 and 2023 GP Agreements, providing for increased fees and supports for GPs, as well as for new services. The annual number of GP training places has been greatly increased in recent years, and new entrant places will increase by a further 50 this year to 400. In addition, recruitment of GPs from abroad continues under the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP Programme which targets the placement of participating doctors to practices in rural and underserved areas.
