David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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1948. To ask the Minister for Health if there is GP discretion in charging a fee for an initial consultation for an expectant mother to apply for the maternity and infant care scheme; if a GP is obliged under the terms of the scheme to provide such an appointment under the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59328/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The Maternity and Infant Care Scheme provides an agreed programme of care, free of charge, to expectant mothers ordinarily resident in Ireland. This combined medical service is provided by a GP who has a contract for the provision of services under the scheme and a hospital obstetrician and includes a schedule of alternating examinations at the GP’s practice and a maternity unit/hospital, as well as two post-natal visits to the GP.

The Maternity and Infant Care Contract between the HSE and GPs providing these services sets out the Schedule of Visits to be provided. GPs are reimbursed by the HSE for the visits set out under this Schedule, and the contract stipulates that "...the contracting general practitioner will not be entitled to accept any other payment of any fee or remuneration in respect of ante-natal and post-natal care..." for the expectant mother.

The majority of GPs in Ireland have contracts with the HSE to provide these services. In order to register for the scheme, the expectant mother’s PPSN is required by their GP. If a patient who is registered believes she has been incorrectly charged for services covered by the scheme, then that patient should report the matter to their HSE Local Health Office who will investigate the matter.

It is worth noting that the National Maternity Strategy recommended a review of the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme be undertaken to reflect the new Model of Care. This review is currently underway. In 2025, NWIHP convened a Review Group and engaged with key Stakeholders in order to facilitate a broad consultation and ensure inclusive feedback and contributions from all stakeholders. The review process completed at the end of 2025, with the report and recommendations due to be published in early 2026.