Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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1. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the implementation of free general practitioner, GP, care for the under sixes; the number of GPs who have signed up to the new contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21016/15]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Will the Minister of State elaborate on this matter? My question arises on the back of the extension of the deadline, which I assume arises because there has not been a large uptake. There are genuine concerns that a large number of GPs do not find this contract as attractive as it might be.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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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.

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister of State for outlining what has happened. We tabled our question because this is a key platform in the delivery of health care and the roll-out of universal access to GPs. It is also a stated policy of Government that feeds into the move towards primary care. The contract is important. The negotiation of the broader General Medical Services, GMS, contract is, conveniently, to conclude next April.

Let us be honest - free GP care for the under sixes does not appear to be getting off to a great start. Why has there not been a large uptake? Why are GPs not clamouring at the Minister of State's door to sign contracts?

Will the Minister of State clarify whether contracts are being offered to GPs who have not undergone the vetting process? This issue was reported at the weekend.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Neither I nor Deputy Kelleher would want to give a signal that, somehow or other, there are GPs practising who are not on the specialist register. They are all on it. The contract is not available unless a GP is on the specialist register. This reassurance needs to be made.

There has been a significant uptake. In the coming days, there will be more. It is not as if we will have a cut-off point on 5 June. Rather, that is the point at which we will start putting details online so as that young families can see who is available in their areas.

Delays resulted from the court case that was taken by an individual. The courts determined to give the HSE two weeks. However, there is no delay in registration or access. That process is going ahead. As we speak, more contracts are arriving. Deputy Kelleher will agree that GPs, by their nature, are cautious people, and so they should be, as they are dealing with the health of the nation. They want to consider what is available to them. In the main, though, they are signing up and we are receiving new contracts every day.

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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What would the Minister of State consider a successful rate? The register will be published on 6 June and families will be able to see which GPs are partaking in the scheme. Geographical access will be important. The rate of uptake is one matter, but if large geographical areas see no uptake by GPs, has the Government a plan B?

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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There is no plan B. Plan B is not an option.

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister of State does not contemplate defeat.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I never do, as the Deputy knows. He has known me for long enough. Even before this process began, we experienced difficulties with GP coverage in certain areas. Workforce planning in terms of what needs to be delivered in a primary care service in the community will always be a challenge for us.

As to what number I would consider a success, I would prefer 100%, but we will never get that. Certain practices do not have a large cohort of under sixes. Therefore, it will not be an issue for them. Whether the rate of uptake is 80% or 60%, as long as there is coverage in the country and options for young families, it will be a success. However, the real success was getting the commitment of a Government to introduce this scheme. I do not doubt that Fianna Fáil will support it as well.