Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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28. To ask the Minister for Health the average increase in general practitioner workload he anticipates from the introduction of free GP care for under 6's; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54083/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The Government is committed to introducing, on a phased basis, a universal GP service within its term of office, as set out in the Programme for Government and the Future Health strategy framework.

As announced in the Budget, it has been decided to commence the roll-out of a universal GP service by providing all children aged 5 and under with access to a GP service without fees. The implementation of this measure will require primary legislation. The necessary administrative arrangements will be made during the course of 2014 when the specifics of the legislation are known. It is not possible to be definitive about the average increase in workload resulting from the introduction of this measure. However, the increase in the total number of GP visits arising from the introduction of a GP service without fees is expected to be low as this age group represents a relatively small proportion of the overall population and parents already bring their children to their GP, as necessary, regardless of whether they have to pay.