General Practitioner Services

Thursday, 29 January 2026

Ceisteanna (457, 458)

Marie Sherlock

Ceist:

457. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the funding allocation for general practice nurses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7299/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

458. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the funding opportunities available for general practice nurses in upskilling and training; the amount that has been spent in providing training and upskilling for GP nurses; how any such funds are distributed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7300/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 457 and 458 together.

General practice nurses are not employees of the HSE but are privately employed by general practitioners, who are themselves private practitioners.

However, the State does provide support for the employment of GP nurses to GPs with GMS contracts. This includes a significant subsidy towards the cost of employing a practice nurse. The rate payable depends on the GP's GMS panel size and the level of experience of the nurse or administrator. A practice manager subsidy is also available.

The maximum practice nurse subsidy rates are shown below:

Nursing subsidy (per year) - 1 years’ experience	€35,210.25
Nursing subsidy (per year) - 2 years’ experience	€37,284.00
Nursing subsidy (per year) - 3 years’ experience	€39,353.25
Nursing subsidy (per year) - 4 or more years’ experience	€43,725.75

Furthermore, under the GMS GP Agreement 2023 the existing subsidy rates for practice staff were greatly increased and a new grant support of up to €15,000 was introduced for additional practice staff capacity as well as a support for practice staff maternity leave.

Practice nurses must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). They are responsible for their own scope of practice which is guided by the NMBI. Practice nurses may undertake further education in relation to a large range of clinical areas. As practice nurses are privately employed, decisions regarding the undertaking of further upskilling and training are a matter for the practice nurse concerned, and may consider the requirements of the practice where they are employed.

The HSE employs professional development coordinators for practice nursing (PDCPN), who provide, amongst other things, guidance and direction for practice nurses and help facilitate education and continuing professional and role development. In addition, Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs) in general practice can avail of continuous professional developments supports offered through the HSE Office of Nursing & Midwifery Services Director (ONMSD). Practice nurses may also avail of HSeLanD, the HSE's national online learning and development portal

A Strategic Review of General Practice is currently underway which is to set out measures for a better and more sustainable general practice service into the future. The issue of capacity in general practice is being examined under the review, and particular consideration is to be given to expanding the GP team, including nurses, and to ensuring staff can perform to the top of their licence.

Question No. 458 answered with Question No. 457.