1366. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the number of people who have been removed from a GP patient list in each of the past five years, by county; the measures in place to support patients who cannot secure a place with another GP; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65389/26]

GPs are private practitioners, most of whom hold a GMS contract with the HSE for the provision of GP services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. Under the GMS contract, a GP may request the HSE to arrange for the discontinuance of a GMS patient's inclusion on their GMS panel, giving where requested the reason, in confidence, for the request.

As the removal of a GMS patient from a GP's GMS panel is an operational matter, I have asked the HSE to provide the information requested in regard to the number of GMS patients removed from GPs' GMS panels. Please note the HSE would not hold information on private patients whose GPs have discontinued their service to them, as this is a private matter between the GP and patient concerned.

Please be advised that medical or GP visit card holders may apply to the HSE to be assigned to a GP's GMS panel where that person has been removed from another GP's panel or refused entry onto a GP's panel, and the person has difficulty finding a GMS GP to accept them as a patient in accordance with the GMS contract.

Persons who do not hold a medical card or GP visit card access GP services on a private basis and can make enquiries directly to any GP practice they wish to register with. As private practitioners, it is a matter for each individual GP to decide whether to accept additional private patients.

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 effecting 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.