In terms of addressing the GP shortage in rural areas, Dr Quinlan pointed to the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP Programme. It aims to address the severe shortage of GPs in rural Ireland by identifying, supporting, and integrating experienced non-EU doctors into rural practices. GP and GP nurses between us see in excess of 29 million routine consultations a year and 1.5 million GP out-of-hours consultations. "The data clearly shows that in excess of 500,000 people per week are seen by a GP or GP nurse. However, over 500,000 people are seen by their GP or GP nurse every week.