Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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989. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on plans to introduce free general practitioner care for children under six years of age. [12858/14]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The Government is committed to introducing, on a phased basis, a universal GP service without fees within its term of office, as set out in the Programme for Government and the Future Health strategy framework. As announced in the Budget, it has been decided to commence the roll-out of a universal GP service by providing all children aged 5 and under with access to a GP service without fees. This will mean that almost half of the population will have access to GP services without fees. The Government is providing new, additional funding of €37 million to meet the cost of this measure which will provide a GP service to approximately 240,000 children that must currently pay to see a GP.

The implementation of this new service requires primary legislation and work on preparing this is ongoing. Preparations are also proceeding in relation to the necessary administrative arrangements. Details of application procedures and the start date for the new service will be announced in due course.