Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Among other achievements, it sets out the policy on free general practitioner care for those aged under six and over 70. This has been rolled out as part of universal health care. There was a commitment, which would not have been known publicly on 7 October, to the rolling out of free general practitioner care to primary school children, or children aged 11 and under. It refers to the development throughout the country of primary care centres, which are now providing an alternative to longer stays in hospitals and minor procedures. This is one reason there is such demand for beds but the new models will mean we will be less hospital dependent and more able to provide what is required, particularly regarding procedures at local level. We will also be able to provide free general practitioner care for those aged under six and over 70 and, next year, children of 11 and under. I am sure the Deputy and his party would welcome all that.

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