Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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52. To ask the Minister for Health the most up-to-date figures for general practitioner sign up for the roll-out of free general practitioner access for all children up to six years of age by county and by Dáil constituency, showing the total number of general practitioners in practice in each case; if his plans to encourage and secure greater sign-up and participation include the bringing forward of the roll-out of universal free general practitioner access to the earliest date possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27598/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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As at 14.30pm on 7th July 2015, 2,110 contracts had been received from GPs (over 86% of GMS contract holders). Information on waiting times is collated by former Local Health Office area rather than by county. The following table reflects the spread of contract holders across Local Health Office areas. All areas have over 73% coverage except South Tipperary, which has 25% coverage.

The HSE is operating an online system for parents or guardians to register children under the age of 6 for the enhanced universal GP service. Over 100,000 children signed up for the new free GP service over the three week period since registration started. The second phase of introducing universal GP care will extend a GP service without fees to all persons aged 70 years and over in August. These measures represent major steps on the way to universal health care. By the end of this summer, approximately 800,000 people in Ireland will benefit from universal access to GP services.

Under 6s Contract Position