Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1195. To ask the Minister for Health when free GP care for children under seven years of age will come into effect. [12468/23]

Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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1400. To ask the Minister for Health the reason free GP visits for children under eight years of age as part of a phased programme to provide free GP care for children under 12 on 1 February 12022, has not yet been implemented; when will this happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13289/23]

Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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1401. To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider extending the age of free health care to children that have missed out due to non-implementation of the under 12 phased programmes, given some of these children have missed out on what was promised to them. [13290/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1195, 1400 and 1401 together.

It is intended to commence the expansion of GP care without charges to all children aged 6 and 7 as early as possible. My officials and the HSE have made preparations for this expansion. Engagements were held by my Department and the HSE with the IMO, representing GPs, throughout last year, and engagement is ongoing in relation to the necessary fee structures for this service.