Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I commend the Government on bringing the Bill before the House to deal with a very important matter, the expansion of a scheme to include all children under 12 and provide them with free GP services, as well as the raising of income limits applying to people over 70. This is most welcome, especially for my constituents in Clare.

As the House is aware, we in Sinn Féin promised two free GP visits to each person in the country as part of our 2020 general election manifesto, with the long-term aim to provide universal healthcare free at the point of need and not based on an ability to pay. The Bill does not go that far or even to a point we would see as far enough, but I welcome that it is at least a step in the right direction.

The reality right across the country is that workers and families are struggling. These workers and families were undoubtedly struggling before Covid-19 but with the uncertainty brought by the health pandemic, they are in a state of financial despair. They are counting the cost of childcare and medical appointments and even preparing for costs arising in advance of the new school year, as well as many other household bills that loom over parents as they raise a family. The cost of attending a GP is quite often one of the most expensive of these bills and the need to attend is mostly unpredictable. As a mother of five children, I am very much aware of the unexpected cost of attending a GP when a child falls ill and how much an effect this can have. It is an average cost of €50 per visit just to be seen and heard by a GP, and this can often be the extraordinary cost that can push already struggling families over the edge. The Minister did not use the right word in this instance. Not being able to afford the cost of a GP visit for any child is an awful position for any parent.

There is also the raising of income limits for people over 70, which is a welcome announcement. Many older people in our society are often forgotten but seriously struggle with the costs of daily life. Most older people have worked their entire lives and contributed to the building of the country we live in today. I am happy to see this Bill will ensure that we, as a State, can give a little back to these people. They are the most vulnerable in our society, along with children, and it is our duty to ensure their most basic of healthcare needs are met.

It is estimated that this expansion of the criteria will benefit approximately 300,000 extra children and approximately 56,000 people over 70. I have no doubt the introduction of this access to healthcare will take some pressure off our hospitals, which is a crucial point. The reality is that early access to medical care if and when required can have a knock-on effect on people ending up in accident and emergency departments. This is an important matter for the people of the mid west and particularly my constituents in County Clare.

The reality is that those who are fighting to keep bread on the table often have to pick and choose between bills. It is hoped that this legislation will ensure that their health will not be sacrificed for the payment of a bill.

According to the 2016 census, there are approximately 22,000 children in County Clare under the age of 13. Those, along with the 12,000 people, approximately, over the age of 70, will welcome the introduction of this Bill to the House.

The only hesitation I have about the Bill before us is the lack of a commitment to a timeframe. As I have said, while this Bill is welcome, I call on the Government to ensure that it is implemented as a priority as soon as possible. I also call on the Government to ensure that a clear, definitive timeframe is provided to ensure that this roll-out is completed as soon as possible but, at the very least, within the timeframe of this Dáil. The Minister should tell the people of Clare when it will be enacted because they want action now and not any more waffle. I call on the Government to address this matter and make a clear commitment to ensure that it is rolled out sooner rather than later.

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