Successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Governments have been talking about reforming GP services for years but have failed to deliver. The Government's strategic review of GP services, first promised in 2019, still has not been completed. During that time GP fees have risen to as high as €90 in some areas, and that is just to get in the door. Price, however, is not the only barrier. An increasing number of GP practices are oversubscribed and understaffed. We know there are no quick fixes. That is why the Social Democrats are proposing a comprehensive 20-point plan, which will be debated in the Dáil tomorrow. The proposals include GPs directly employed by the HSE, because not every GP wants to be a small business owner; a new DEIS-for-GPs scheme, in recognition of the higher health needs of patients in deprived areas; implementing the programme for Government commitment to expand GP care to under-12s; and, crucially, setting out a clear timeline for delivering universal GP care to everybody by 2030. These proposals are not radical; they are the European norm. Will the Government do more than talk about reform of GP services? Will it deliver it, and will it start by supporting our 20-point plan to transform GP services?

Sentiment score: 0.11

To under-eights.

Sentiment score: 0.00