Tipperary out-of-hours GP cover
Deputy Cahill complained that only two GPs cover Tipperary overnight and sought extra resources. The Minister of State said GP contract negotiations were nearing completion and he would pass on the concerns.
I would like to raise the issue of out-of-hours GP services. Tipperary is a very big county and, between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., only two GPs are available for this service, one in Clonmel and one in Nenagh. Unfortunately, we are hearing of a greater number of examples where the service is not up to the level that would be reasonably expected by sick people throughout the county. Can I have a commitment from Government that additional resources would be put into this service in Tipperary?
Comment on this
Intensive negotiations are, hopefully, coming to a conclusion on the overall issues with the GP contract. Some of these issues will be addressed in that but I will certainly take note and pass back the Deputy's concerns regarding the Tipperary out-of-hours service as well.