GPs were paid fees totaling more than €9.5 million for providing abortions in the first three years of the State’s abortion program, new figures show.

The fees relate to almost 24,000 initial consultations with women and about 19,500 completed GP-administered abortions between 2019 and last year.

The total cost of claims made by GPs providing abortions in community settings has remained relatively constant – €3 million in 2019 and €3.26 million in 2020 and 2021, according to HSE figures.

Under the scheme, GPs are paid a €150 fee for a first consultation with a woman seeking an abortion.

The HSE pays a €300 combined fee for administering drugs and providing aftercare.

A separate €100 fee is payable to GPs who provide aftercare for patients who underwent abortions in hospital and were discharged to the community.