Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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652. To ask the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the free general practitioner scheme for under sixes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20113/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Government is committed to introducing, on a phased basis, a universal GP service without fees, 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.

Agreement has been reached between the Department of Health, the HSE and the Irish Medical Organisation on terms for the delivery of GP care without fees for all children aged under 6. Under the new arrangements, an additional 270,000 children under 6 will benefit from GP care free at the point of service. All children under 6 will benefit from the new enhanced service under the proposed GP contract.

This will involve age-based preventive checks focused on health and well-being and the prevention of disease. These assessments will be carried out when a child is aged 2 and again at age 5. The contract will also cover an agreed cycle of care for children diagnosed with asthma, under which GPs will carry out an annual review of each child where the doctor has diagnosed asthma.

In parallel with this, GP care without fees will be extended to all persons aged 70 years and over, subject to the passing of the necessary legislation. The Health (General Practitioner Service) Bill 2015, which was published on 25 March 2015, will provide the statutory basis for the over-70s universal GP service. This service will benefit about 36,000 people and will be provided under the existing GMS contract.

The Government recognises that different age-groups have different healthcare needs and ability to access services and that children and older people have particular needs in this regard. For many years we have had universal eligibility for acute hospital services but the first and most effective point of contact with the health service which is provided by GP's has only been provided on a public basis to those on very low incomes.

The provision of universal GP access through greater public investment in primary care services is a critical reform in resolving inequities and re-balancing our services towards earlier prevention. The introduction of universal GP access for the youngest and oldest members of our community is an important step in the phased implementation of these reforms.