Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

376. To ask the Minister for Health to set out the position regarding the provision of free general practitioner care for those under six years and those over 70; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48918/14]

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

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. The Government has approved the drafting of a Bill to provide a GP service without fees for all persons aged 70 years and over. Drafting of the Bill is at an advanced stage and the expectation is that the Bill will be published shortly.

The Government's aim is to have the first two phases for the under-6s and over-70s implemented early next year subject to the conclusion of discussions between the Department of Health, the HSE and the IMO. By the end of next year, approximately half of the population will have access to GP services, without charges.  That is a major step on the way to universal health care.