John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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361. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to an instance in which a general practitioner, who is not participating in the free under-six scheme, is having patients aged 70 years or over removed from the care of the practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28082/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The contract for the provision of free GP care to children aged under 6 years was issued to GPs at the end of April 2015, following the conclusion of contractual discussions and the approval of fee rates by the then Minister as provided for under the Health (General Practitioners Service), Act 2014. It should be noted that approximately 94% of GPs who hold a GMS Contract with the HSE have signed up to the Under 6 Contract. GPs are self-employed contractors and it is up to each individual contractor to decide whether they want to sign up and provide this new enhanced service.

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.

Any suitably qualified GP can enter into a contract with the HSE for the provision of the General Medical Services Scheme as provided for under the . I am not aware of the circumstances of the case referred to by the Deputy.