Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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122. To ask the Minister for Health if negotiations have begun with the general practitioner unions on the free general practitioner care for children under 12 scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44314/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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In Budget 2016, the Government made financial provision for the extension of GP care without fees to all children aged 6 to 11 years. It is envisaged that, subject to enactment of appropriate changes to the legislation, this extension will take effect in the latter part of 2016. This will also be subject to negotiation with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) in relation to the scope of the service to be provided and the fee arrangements to apply. The necessary contractual provisions will be developed in the context of overall new GP contract arrangements and not as a stand-alone extension or amendment to the current contract. Negotiations in relation to the new GP contract have commenced with the IMO.