1345. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Health the number of GP practices and practising GPs currently serving Celbridge and the wider north Kildare area; whether an assessment has been undertaken of GP capacity and demand in the area; and the measures that are being taken to increase GP and primary care capacity in light of ongoing population growth. [65214/26]

GPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore 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 any area.

Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. Currently there are 2,615 GPs contracted to provide services under the GMS Scheme. A further 638 GPs do not hold a GMS contract but hold some other contract(s) with the HSE for the delivery of health services.

I have asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy directly regarding the number of GP practices and practising GPs currently serving Celbridge and the wider North Kildare area, as well primary care capacity for the area. Please note that as GPs are private practitioners, accordingly it may only be possible for the HSE to respond in relation to HSE contracted GPs.

The Government is committed, as per the Programme for Government, to increase the number of GPs practicing across the country and thereby increase access to GP service for all patients.

Over €340 million in additional annual investment in general practice has been provided under the 2019 and 2023 GP GMS Agreements. The Agreements provide for, amongst other things, increased GP capitation fees, increased and new supports for practices, as well as new fees for additional services. Specific supports are available for eligible practices in rural areas and in areas of urban social deprivation.

The annual intake of doctors into the GP training programme has been increased by approximately 80% from 2019 to 2024, with 350 new entrant training places made available from 2024. As a result, the number of GP graduates has increased in recent years and will continue to increase in the coming years. Furthermore, recruitment of GPs from abroad is ongoing under the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP Programme, with the placement of IMG GPs targeted to rural and underserved areas.

Also, a Strategic Review of General Practice is currently underway, led by my Department and with support from the HSE. The review is examining the issues affecting general practice, including issues related to GP capacity, and will consider further possible mechanisms to attract GPs to rural and underserved areas. When completed the review will set out recommended actions for a more sustainable general practice.