The government cannot continue to sit on the fence when it comes to reforming and expanding GP care in Ireland, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice.
Deputy Rice made his comments after today’s Dáil debate on a Social Democrats’ motion aimed at solving the GP crisis.
He said:
“While the government did not oppose our motion, neither did they commit to implementing our plan to reduce costs for patients and expand access to GP services.
“We’re still being told that we have to wait until the Strategic Review of General Practice is completed – something that was promised seven years ago but is still ongoing.
“In 2023, when it was eventually initiated, the former Minister for Health said it would be completed that year. But now, three years later, we’re still being told that it won’t be completed until later this year.
“The time for reviewing is over – we need reform. Today, we put forward a 20-point plan to do just that – so where is the government’s proposal?
“It’s clear that sticking plaster solutions are not working and that only fundamental reform of the GP model can address this crisis.
“A Social Democrats’ survey on this issue revealed that some people have to wait weeks to see a GP. In fact, some respondents revealed they had waited months to even be accepted onto a GP list. Others, meanwhile, reported travelling across counties simply to access basic community healthcare services.
“The core GP contract is now over 50 years old. And even though it has been amended many times, it’s no longer fit for purpose. Take, for example, the fact that we are still expecting most GPs to provide their own buildings. You wouldn’t ask a teacher to build their own classroom, so why would you expect a GP to build their own surgery?
“It’s also important to acknowledge that general practice is more than just doctors. GP nurses are indispensable members of their practice teams, and yet their value is under-recognised. At the very least, the terms and conditions of their employment must be aligned with their HSE colleagues.
“Our motion also included further measures to increase capacity, such as a strategic workforce plan, more GPs directly employed by the HSE, additional training places and a new locum support system.
“In allowing our motion to pass today, the government has accepted that action is needed to improve affordability and access to GP services – so why aren’t they doing anything about it?
“It’s time this government did more than talk about Sláintecare – it’s time they implemented it in full.”
ENDS
February 25, 2026