Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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142. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated cost to the State of the introduction of free general practitioner care for all citizens. [9503/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Government is committed to introducing a universal GP service without fees on a phased basis. The first phase will be for all children under six and all persons aged 70 and over to have access to GP care without fees. These arrangements will come into operation in Quarter 2 of 2015, subject to the conclusion of contractual discussions. These measures represent a major step on the way to universal health care.

The introduction of a universal GP service constitutes a fundamental element in the Government's health reform programme. The current Government is the first in the history of the State to have committed itself to implementing a universal GP service for the entire population. A well functioning health system should provide equal access to health care for its patients on the basis of health needs, rather than ability to pay. The principles of universality and equity of access mean that all residents in Ireland should be entitled to access a GP services that is free at the point of use.

The additional cost of providing a universal GP service to the entire population, based on the current rates of payments to GPs and eligibility was estimated to be between €330 million and €365 million.