552. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health the number of GPs in Drogheda; the number of GPs that are required to deal with the ongoing shortage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39182/24]

GPs are self-employed practitioners, most of whom hold a GMS contract and or other contracts with the HSE for the provision of GP services. As private practitioners, GPs may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. There is no prescribed ratio of GPs to patients and the State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in a town or community.

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy on this matter directly in regard to the number of HSE contracted GPs in Drogheda, as soon as possible.