David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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1439. To ask the Minister for Health his timeframe to deliver full universal and free primary healthcare to all citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29084/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Sláintecare Report outlines the steps required for reformed health system where the vast majority of all aspects of healthcare are provided for in the community through population health, primary or social care.

The Programme for Government commits to the full implementation of Sláintecare as part of a mission to introduce universal single tier health and social care system where everyone has equitable access to services based on need, and not ability to pay and to deliver safe, quality health and social care services that meet the needs of our growing population, and attracts and retains the very best healthcare clinicians, managers, and staff.

That Government’s ongoing full commitment is made clear in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy & Action Plan 2021-2023 was approved by Government in May 2021, the mid-year and end of year progress reports and the publication last week of the 2022 Action Plan detailing the plans for Sláintecare Implementation.

As the Deputy will be aware, the report recommends a phased expansion of entitlement to GP services. Currently 2.1 million people in Ireland have access to free GP care through the Medical Card and GP Visit Card schemes. The Programme for Government sets out the Government’s commitment to the expansion of universal care in a fair and affordable manner, including the expansion of GP Visit Cards to children. Talks are currently underway on the implementation of free GP care for children aged 6 and 7, which will have a meaningful impact on the cost of living for impacted households. In line with Sláintecare and Programme for Government commitments to the expansion of universal care, the Department of Health is currently exploring options for further expanding eligibility to GP services in a fair and affordable manner.