Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I asked the Taoiseach for a definite timeline. To be honest, most of the people who come into my office are women with children. They are looking for help. I became a grandfather recently again and it is a fantastic and joyous time. However, these people coming to me are struggling and want help. They need medical attention, a GP-visit card and the children's allowance. These people are looking for help, but they can get nothing done until they get registered. Then, when they have that done, they must look for a PPSN. There always seems to be some kind of obstacle in these people's way. I am asking the Taoiseach, given the way the situation is now, can the HSE or some other body not issue some kind of paperwork that will enable a child to be covered straight away, as soon as it is born, and to have access to a free doctor?

The Taoiseach said that GP should not have charged €60. Is he telling me now, that if I come in to him tomorrow morning and I give him that receipt for €60, he will give me the €60 back so I can give that parent the €60? The detail has to be down in black and white. You have to tell the hospitals or the doctors exactly what is happening. It is not fair on the young girl I mentioned. I think the young girl thought the child had meningitis. When you see for the first time a child with a rash, the first thing that comes into your mind is that it is meningitis. The second thing that happens is the parent goes to the doctor with the child, and the next thing is the doctor asks for €60. Maybe the doctor is entitled to ask for €60, but a simple solution could be achieved with a stroke of a pen. Is there no way that when a child is born in this country, or any country, he or she gets a GP-visit card straight away?

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