David Cullinane
Question:118. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health whether she intends to develop public-only GP and dentist contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52162/26]
View answerThursday, 9 July 2026
Questions (118)
Written answers
The Irish model of general practice is based on private practice, and all GPs providing GP services in Ireland currently are private practitioners. The HSE does not currently directly employ GPs for the provision of GP services. Most GPs hold contracts with the HSE for the provision of health services without charge, including the GMS contract for the provision of GP care without charge to medical card and GP visit. However, GMS GPs also provide GP services to patients who do not hold a medical card or GP visit on a private basis.
A Strategic Review of General Practice is currently underway, led by my Department and with support from the HSE. The review is examining the issues effecting general practice, including issues related to GP capacity, and will consider further possible mechanisms to attract GPs to rural and underserved areas. When completed the review will set out recommended actions for a more sustainable general practice.
This includes consideration of the possible role of HSE employed GPs, as part of the wider examination of the GP capacity issue. Any proposed model involving salaried GP positions requires careful consideration to ensure the required level of service could be provided for medical card and GP visit card holders as well as private patients.
In regard to dentists, oral healthcare services in Ireland are mainly provided by general dental practices which are independently owned and operated. A publicly funded service for adult medical card holders is provided under a contracted model and the HSE salaried public dental service mainly provides care to children under the age of 16 and adults with additional needs. This model of services we operate is largely rooted in the 1990s, and it must be modernised to meet today’s needs.
While there is currently no plan to introduce a public only dental contract, I am determined to improve access to dental services for patients. This will be done by utilising public and private capacity. My Department and the HSE are finalising a focused two-year Oral Health Action Plan to deliver real improvements on the ground.
It will focus on a small number of clear priorities:
• Cut waiting lists in the School Dental Programme and orthodontics
• Strengthen and expand the Special Access Programme
• Reviewing and improving the Dental Treatment Services Scheme
• Support recruitment, education and training
• Support innovation and new ways of delivering care
Over the next two years, the aim is to stabilise services, reduce waiting times, and make access measurably better for patients—while laying the groundwork for longer-term reform.