Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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702. To ask the Minister for Health not to cut the additional budget of €13.5 million allocated for primary care in the 2016 Health Service Executive service plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9701/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Funding of €13.5 million from the 2016 Primary Care budget was held within the Department of Health for GP contract developments, which includes rural practices, access to diagnostics and minor surgery, and extending GP care without fees to all children aged between 6 years and 11 years.

The Regulations which provide for changes to the Rural Practice Allowance Scheme and revised fee rates for Special Items of Service were signed into effect on 5th May, 2016. In addition, it is envisaged that the extension of free GP care to children under 12 years will be introduced towards the end of 2016, as part of the ongoing discussions on the main GP contract.

It is expected that the full €13.5 million in hold-back funding will be fully utilised during 2016 in accordance with the HSE 2016 National Service Plan.