Written answers
Tuesday, 13 June 2023
Department of Health
General Practitioner Services
Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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1295. To ask the Minister for Health the current status of free GP care for children aged six and seven years, as announced in Budget 2023; if any automatic GP cards for children aged six and seven years have been issued; if not, when applications will open; when the first cards will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28402/23]
Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The expansion of GP care without charges to all children aged 6 and 7, whereby all children aged 6 and 7 will be entitled to a GP visit card based on their age, is intended to commence as early as possible. At present all children under 6 years of age are entitled to a GP visit card. My officials and the HSE have made preparations for the 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. Applications will open and the service will commence when that process has been completed.
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