From Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland: A GP's Perspective

Q: Dr Niamh, why are so many GPs considering a move from Northern Ireland or the UK to the Republic of Ireland?

Dr Niamh:
Many doctors are looking at Ireland because of the improved work-life balance, greater clinical autonomy and stronger earning potential. The patient population is very similar, so the transition is generally straightforward. GPs are already familiar with managing their own patient lists and providing continuity of care, which makes settling into practice in Ireland much easier.

Q: How does general practice in Ireland differ from the UK?

Dr Niamh:
One of the biggest differences is the structure of practices. In the UK, practices are often part of NHS organisations or Primary Care Networks. In Ireland, practices are privately owned and GPs work as independent contractors to the HSE.

This gives practices much greater flexibility in how they operate, manage patients and structure their services. Practice owners have more control over staffing, operations and development, which often creates highly functioning teams with a strong sense of pride and ownership.

Q: What is different about how practices generate income?

Dr Niamh:
Ireland has a mixed healthcare model, with both public and private patients. Public patient care is funded through a capitation system, and practices can earn additional income by providing government-supported programmes such as chronic disease management and minor surgery services.

Alongside this, private patients pay directly for consultations and treatments. This combination of public and private income streams can create a financially rewarding environment where practices are properly compensated for delivering high-quality patient care.

Q: What can GPs expect in terms of workload and appointments?

Dr Niamh:
Irish GPs generally have more control over their schedules. Practices can decide appointment lengths, consultation styles and caseload management, allowing for a more personalised approach to care.

Unlike the common perception of the NHS model, the strict 10-minute consultation and "one problem per appointment" approach is not a defining feature of Irish general practice. There is also a higher proportion of traditional face-to-face consultations, which helps maintain strong doctor-patient relationships and reduces some of the public frustrations currently experienced within the NHS.

Q: How do referral pathways compare?

Dr Niamh:
Access to specialist care can be quicker in Ireland because a significant proportion of the population has private health insurance. More than 45% of Irish residents have health insurance, compared with around 14% of adults in the UK in 2025.

This often means patients can access specialist services more quickly, reducing delays, easing pressure on general practice and limiting the number of patients returning repeatedly while waiting for referrals.

Q: Is it difficult for UK-trained GPs to register in Ireland?

Dr Niamh:
Not at all. The Irish Medical Council recognises UK primary medical qualifications, and doctors who hold the MRCGP can register directly on the Specialist Division of the Medical Register. There is no requirement for additional GP training.

Q: What has your own journey been like?

Dr Niamh:
I completed my MRCGP training in Northern Ireland and moved to the Republic of Ireland in 2016. I initially worked in a sessional role before progressing to a permanent associate position and eventually becoming a GP partner.

Alongside my clinical work, I have also taken on a variety of non-clinical roles, including governance, training, practice development and quality improvement initiatives. These opportunities have brought valuable variety to my working week.

Although I now live in Northern Ireland again, I continue to work as a GP in the Republic of Ireland. For me personally, the work-life balance, flexibility around family commitments, financial opportunities and the ability to provide high-quality patient care are the reasons I have chosen to stay working in Ireland.