Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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485. To ask the Minister for Health the date on which he will introduce free GP care for aged five and under; the projected budget for this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10879/14]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The Government is committed to introducing, on a phased basis, a universal GP service without fees 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. This will mean that almost half of the population will have access to GP services without fees. The Government is providing new, additional funding of €37 million to meet the cost of this measure.

The implementation of this new service requires primary legislation and work on preparing this is ongoing. Preparations are also proceeding in relation to the necessary administrative arrangements. Details of application procedures and the start date for the new service will be announced in due course.