Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 April 2014
601. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Health if he will specify the evidential source of research relied upon by his Department in concluding that access to free primary care, disease surveillance and health promotion for children under six years of age will improve health outcomes and-or effect savings in the primary and acute sectors in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16282/14]
View answerThe Government is committed to introducing, on a phased basis, a universal GP service without fees within its term of office, as set out in the Programme for Government and the Future Health strategy framework. As announced in the Budget, it has been decided to commence the roll-out of a universal GP service by providing all children under 6 years with access to a GP service without fees. The implementation of this measure will require primary legislation, which I expect to be published shortly.
A draft contract for the provision of free GP care to children under 6 years, is currently the subject of a consultation process. When drafting the contract, consideration was given to Healthy Ireland, a framework for improved health and wellbeing 2013 – 2025. This is the Government's national framework for action to improve the health and wellbeing of our population, including children, over the coming generation. Based on international evidence, it outlines a new commitment to public health with an emphasis on prevention and stronger health systems. It addresses risk factors and promotes protective actions at every stage of life including early childhood.
Healthy Ireland has been informed by feedback from an extensive consultation process within Government, the health sector and wider public and private society. It reflects international experience and evidence of what determines health and reflects best practice in how to prioritise and invest for health and invest for long-term sustainable health benefits.
A key feature of the draft contract, therefore, is to reorient the focus of primary care towards prevention and health promotion in addition to diagnosis and treatment. In accordance with the principles of Healthy Ireland, there is a broad range of evidence from the international scientific literature on the value of health surveillance and health promoting activities on issues such as overweight and obesity in early childhood. I will write to the Deputy providing specific references.
