Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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773. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 242 of 24 June 2023, to provide an update on plans to expand eligibility for GP visit cards to people who earn the median household income or less; the status of discussions with an organisation (details supplied); the timeline he is working towards in honouring this budget 2023 commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31356/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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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. The Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE) are engaged in intensive discussions with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), representing GPs, in relation to concerns they have expressed around the roll-out of this increase in eligibility with the intention of securing an agreed pathway to implementation. Information in relation to the commencement of the expansion will be provided when available.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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774. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 664 of 16 June 2023, to provide an update on plans to expand free GP care to all children aged six and seven years; the status of discussions with an organisation (details supplied); the timeline he is working towards in honouring this Budget 2023 commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31357/23]

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. Preparations have been made ahead of the expansion, and engagement between my Department and the HSE with the IMO, representing GPs, is ongoing in relation to the necessary fee structures for this service.