Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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491. To ask the Minister for Health if those who are covered by the over 70s general practitioner visit contract but who are not covered under the Health Service Executive public sector General Medical Services Scheme contract will be covered not just for a consultation with a general practitioner but also for ongoing blood work and other tests (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34063/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The introduction of GP care without fees at the point of access to all persons aged 70 years and over commenced on 5 August 2015. This service is being provided under the existing 2005 GP visit card contract and, therefore, patients who qualify for a GP visit card on or after 5 August 2015 are entitled to the same GP service as those who held a GP visit card prior to that date.

A Memorandum of Understanding signed in February 2015 commits the Department of Health, the HSE and the IMO to substantive negotiations on a new comprehensive GP contract. These discussions have commenced and the appropriate arrangements in relation to phlebotomy services, anti-coagulation therapy, 24 hour BP monitoring, diagnostics and dressings, etc. will be considered in this context.