Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

392. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the promised free general practitioner care for those under six years of age; the progress to date in this regard; and when free GP care will be available to children under six years of age. [44050/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government 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. The Government has commenced this process in respect of all children under 6 years. The Health (General Practitioner Service) Act 2014, which provides an entitlement for all children aged under 6 to a GP service without fees, was enacted on 25th July 2014. Under a Framework Agreement, the Department of Health, the HSE and the IMO are engaged intensively on the introduction of GP services without fees for children aged under 6.

A number of meetings have already taken place between the parties. The Government's aim is to have universal GP care without fees for children under 6 years implemented early next year subject to the conclusion of the present discussions and the completion of a fee-setting process.