Press Release: Wednesday 7 May 2025
Minister for Health announces GP locum cover support for 239 GPs in rural and remote areas commencing Summer 2025
Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill T.D., has announced the implementation of a new locum support initiative, providing access to locum cover for up to 239 General Practitioners (GPs) in rural and remote areas commencing Summer 2025. This programme, developed under the terms of the 2023 GP Agreement, addresses a critical need for rural GPs who often face significant challenges in securing cover for periods of planned leave.
Under this arrangement, GPs in receipt of rural practice supports will now have access to a streamlined locum sourcing service. While the GPs themselves will cover the cost of the locum, the Health Service Executive (HSE) will bear the cost of securing the locum, ensuring GPs have the necessary support to maintain continuity of care to their patients in their communities.
This initiative specifically targets the 239 GPs currently receiving rural practice supports, with an initial focus on the over 130 single-handed GPs working in isolated areas, who often face the greatest challenges in finding cover.
Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said:
“This Government is committed, as per the Programme for Government, to improving access to GP services for all.
“Ensuring that GPs in rural and remote areas can access reliable locum cover is essential to supporting these vital healthcare providers. It allows them to take the leave they deserve, knowing that their patients will continue to receive high-quality care in their absence.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring that rural communities have consistent and dependable access to healthcare, when and where they need it.”
The HSE is leveraging its proven Relationship Manager Model, developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, to drive this initiative. Relationship Managers will reach out to each eligible GP to explain the support available, confirm interest, and assist in sourcing locum cover for up to two weeks during the summer period.
This locum support initiative represents a significant step forward in supporting rural GPs, helping to sustain high-quality care in some of Ireland’s most remote communities.
