David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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1185. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to extend free general practitioner care for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15483/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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On 25 June, the Government gave approval for the publication of the Health (General Practitioner Service and Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Bill 2020. This Bill provides, amongst other things, for the phased expansion of GP care without fees to all children aged 12 years and under. The Bill was published on July 01, 2020 and it is expected to proceed through the Houses of the Oireachtas in mid-July.

The initial stage of this phased expansion will be the provision of GP care without fees to all children aged between 6 and 8. I am currently reviewing the situation in relation to this expansion to determine how and when this expanded service can be introduced in a way which will meet the ongoing health needs of children and will also be sustainable for General Practice in the current COVID environment.