Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The introduction of universal GP care for all children aged under six years represents the first step in the phased introduction of a universal GP service without fees. The new enhanced service will involve age-based preventative checks focused on health and well-being and the prevention of disease. The contract will also cover an agreed cycle of care for children with asthma under which GPs will carry out an annual review of each child diagnosed.

The contract for the under sixes was issued to GPs by the HSE at the end of April following the conclusion of contractual discussions and the approval of fee rates by Ministers. GPs are self-employed contractors and it will be up to each individual GP to decide whether he or she wants to sign up and provide this new enhanced service. A substantial number of GPs have signed the contract to date. As of 27 May, some 830 doctors had returned signed contracts to the HSE. The executive anticipates the receipt of further signed contracts in the coming days. I am confident that there will be sufficient numbers of GPs participating to introduce the new service as planned.

The HSE plans to begin patient registration for the under sixes service on schedule in early June so that the service can commence in early July. In order for a doctor's details to be included in the HSE's online database when patient registration begins, signed contracts must be returned by 5 June at the latest. The HSE will continue to accept signed contracts after that date and will add the details of the doctors concerned to its database on an ongoing basis.

This service will be of great benefit to young children and their families. It involves significant new elements that support the Government's policy of keeping people well. It is tangible evidence of our commitment to the goals and objectives of the Healthy Ireland framework. I welcome the fact that this important new service will commence in July.

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