Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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634. To ask the Minister for Health for an update plan for changes to the GP visit card eligibility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29217/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 634 and 726 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. Approximately 400,000 additional individuals are estimated to become eligible for a GP visit card under this expansion.

My Department and the HSE are engaged in intensive discussions with the IMO in relation to the concerns they have expressed around the roll-out of this increase in eligibility. These talks, which include engagement on the best use of the additional funding provided in Budget 2023 to support capacity in general practice, are currently ongoing. In the meantime, the necessary planning and administrative development work to provide for the expansion is well advanced in preparation for the commencement of the expansion.

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

Furthermore, 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 and engagement is ongoing with the IMO in relation to the necessary fee structures for this service.