Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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596. To ask the Minister for Health if his Department has evaluated the impact the introduction of free general practitioner care for under sixes has had on practices around the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4511/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The first two phases of universal GP care without fees were successfully introduced in 2015, firstly for all children under the age of 6 years and secondly for all people aged 70 years and older. This has resulted in approximately 800,000 people now being eligible for GP care without fees without having to undergo a means test.

The introduction of GP care without fees to children under 6 represents a major step forward in improving access, quality and affordability of health care in Ireland. The under 6s service contract, which includes age-based preventive checks focused on health and well-being and a dedicated cycle of care for children with asthma, underlines the Government's commitment to enhancing primary care and keeping people well in their community. To date, almost 364,000 children have access to GP care without fees through a medical card or GP visit card and approximately 94% of GMS GPs have entered into agreements with the HSE for the provision of services to children under 6.

I wish to acknowledge the contribution of general practitioners to meeting the heavy demand on our health service, particularly during the peak winter period. The management by GPs of seasonal pressures is an example of how primary care plays a critical role in our healthcare system. However, GPs do not currently provide information to the HSE in relation to patient visit activity, waiting times etc. In the absence of such general practice activity data, it is not possible to evaluate the impact the introduction of free GP care to all children under 6 has had on GP practices.

The Government is committed to the continued development of GP capacity and in 2017 the training intake will increase for the second successive year, from 172 to 187 places. In addition initial engagement has commenced with GP representatives in the development of a new and modernised set of contractual arrangements for GMS and other public GP services.