I raise the issue of a GP service for Swanlinbar in County Cavan. Since the retirement of the GPs in the area at the end of 2020, there has been a rolling locum contract in place. The HSE has claimed it has advertised the position but has not been able to fill it. Now it says it will ask a GP from Ballyconnell to provide a three-day service to the people of Swanlinbar. They are not happy with this solution. They want a five-day service. They also believe there is a possibility that the locum will take on that contract. They have asked the HSE for a meeting to discuss that possibility or other possibilities for having a GP service in Swanlinbar itself. Will the Tánaiste ask the Minister for Health to ask the HSE to engage with the local community? It is only an engagement to look at possible solutions to this.

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. The Government is actively working to increase the number of GPs working in the State and to increase GP access throughout the country. GPs are self-employed and the HSE steps in when there is a situation where a GP may retire. There are currently 23 vacancies around the country, down from 34 last year. We are making considerable inroads as we try to secure someone to take on the role in question. While this matter is ongoing, the general medical card scheme has been frozen to ensure there is a good and viable business for people to take on the role. If the Deputy sends me details of the case, I will ask the HSE in the area to examine it. It is important that there is community collaboration. The HSE is focused on getting permanent GPs into communities the length and breadth of the country.