Kilrush GP surgery closure
Deputy Wynne warned that Kilrush GP surgery was at risk of closure and said Clare was already well below the national average for GP services. The Minister of State said the issue was understood, noted GP training numbers, and asked for the local details to be sent to her.
We are out of time but I will take 30-second questions from Deputies Wynne and Murphy.
Comment on this
I will try my best. I raise the issue of the imminent closure of a GP surgery in Kilrush in west Clare. For the past number of years, the HSE has provided temporary locums but that solution has been completely inconsistent and not ideal, as the Minister can imagine. I am looking for the Government, but, in particular, the Minister for Health, to give this GP practice their attention. As I have said previously in the House, County Clare is 25% below the national average in respect of GP services. Kilrush is the most deprived community in the county and it is at risk of losing even more basic services so more has to be done. We are also hearing of alternatives to attendances at emergency departments but if we keep losing GPs, that will be people's only option.
Comment on this
ALONE has published a report on housing adaptation grants. It reveals that almost 6,000 families across the country are on waiting lists for housing adaptations for loved ones, older people and people with disabilities. It also suggests that local authorities are turning down applications because of a lack of funding. Thousands of other people are not entitled to a grant because they are slightly above the threshold. They cannot afford to do the adaptation but their loved ones still need it. A review was due to be published by the end of 2022; it never appeared. On 10 May this year, the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, told me they intended to make a decision on that pretty quickly. We are six months on. When are we going to get a decision and will the thresholds be increased?
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for the question. We all know the importance of having GPs, especially in rural practice; we understand that. The Minister, Deputy Donnelly, spoke this morning about the plans they have put in place. For every two GPs who retire now, between three and six are entering into training. It will take a couple of years for that to work through. The Deputy may wish to send me an email on the specifics of the Kilrush GP practice. She said that the HSE has put in a locum and I am sure every avenue has been exhausted to try to get somebody in there. At the same time, the service is very important and I will raise it with the Minister's office.