Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:719. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will consider urgent concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18577/14]
View answerWednesday, 30 April 2014
Questions (719)
Written answers
In relation to medical cards, the 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 aged 5 and under with access to a GP service without fees. This will mean that almost half of the population will have access to GP services without fees. The Government is providing new, additional funding of €37 million to meet the cost of this measure which will provide a GP service to approximately 240,000 children that must currently pay to see a GP.
The Deputy's questions in relation to prostate rapid response clinics and outpatient appointments relate to service delivery matters and accordingly I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him in this regard.