Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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503. To ask the Minister for Health when free general practitioner care for children under eight years of age as announced in budget 2020 will come into effect; the application process in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44507/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Following the earlier introduction of free GP care for children aged under 6, Budget 2020 allows for the beginning of the phased introduction of free GP care for children aged from 6 to 12, with the introduction of free GP care for children aged 6 and 7 from autumn 2020.

Introduction of this measure is dependent on the drafting and enactment of legislation, and will be the subject of negotiation with the IMO, representing general practitioners.

The application process will involve granting GP visit card eligibility to all children aged 6 and 7 who do not already hold a medical card or GP visit card.