Questions raised over funding for Tipperary GPs serving socially deprived communities

Questions have been raised regarding the number of GPs and practices in Tipperary who have benefited from the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme between 2024 and 2026.

At a meeting of the Regional Health Forum Mid West, Tipperary councillor JP O’Meara tabled a question asking the HSE: “How many GPs and GP practices in North Tipperary were allocated funding under the Social Deprivation Practice Grant Support (GMS Scheme) for the years 2024, 2025 and 2026.”

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In a written response, Geraldine Crowley, Assistant National Director of Primary Care Strategy and Planning, said the Social Deprivation Grant was introduced in 2020 as part of the 2019 GP Agreement between the Irish Medical Organisation, the Health Service Executive and the Department of Health.

She explained that the purpose of the grant is “to address social deprivation by enhancing healthcare access and providing support and outcomes for socially deprived populations in a GP's practice.”

The funding can be used to support additional clinical resources, including increased GP hours, nursing support, key worker roles and counselling services to meet patient needs.

Ms Crowley said that in 2024, 331 GPs received the grant (nationally), with payments ranging from €7,500 to €12,500. No specific figures relating to Tipperary were given

She added that in 2025, the grant increased significantly, ranging between €35,000 and €45,000, with the term extended to three years.

“In addition, as originally intended by the parties to the GP agreement 2019, a data driven scientific approach to the grant allocation was applied.”

She explained that the new model is approached via a GEO coding analysis which identified the most socially deprived GP panels held by GMS GP's across the country.

She outlined that “the model in in line with population health priorities as well as Slaintecare principles and ensures that funding is allocated to support and maintain GP services for communities who have a high degree of social deprivation.”

The three year term offers communities “continuity and security” to GPs and those receiving additional services.

Ms Crowley highlighted: “Given that there is a defined amount of funding available via the Social Depravation Grant and that these new grant amounts are higher then previous allocations, a smaller number of GPs (81) are in receipt of the grant across the country.”

She said that it is “envisioned that the operation of the grant including the data analysis approach will be reviewed in 2027 to identify the value and approach to the identification of GP recipients for the next three term.”