Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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417. To ask the Minister for Health when GP visit card eligibility will be extended, as announced in budget 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20429/23]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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427. To ask the Minister for Health his views on income thresholds for GP cards (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20466/23]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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467. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the reduction in income thresholds for GP-visit cards from 23 April 2023; and if this has been actioned. [20676/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 417, 427 and 467 together.

The Government is committed to the extension of GP visit card eligibility to those who earn the median household income or less, as announced in Budget 2023.

In total, approximately 400,000 additional individuals are estimated to become eligible under this expansion. This measure will remove the cost of accessing GP care from those for whom cost is most likely to prevent access; helping reduce the cost of living for young adults and young families in particular.

The necessary planning and administrative development work to provide for the expansion is well advanced in preparation for the commencement of the expansion. Officials from my Department and the HSE are currently engaged in intensive discussions with the IMO regarding the expansion and in particular the IMO concerns on the impact of increased eligibility on general practice and the best use of the additional funding provided in Budget 2023 to support capacity in general practice.

Information in relation to the commencement of the expansion and operational information will be provided when available.

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