Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2014
365. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding free general practitioner care for children aged under six years; when the scheme will be operational nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36668/14]
View answerThe Government is committed to the introduction of a universal GP service for the entire population in line with the Programme for Government. As announced in Budget 2014, it was decided to commence the roll-out of a universal GP service for the entire population by initially providing all children under 6 years with access to a GP service without fees. The Health (General Practitioner Service) Act 2014, which provides an entitlement for all children aged under 6 to a GP service without fees, was passed by the Oireachtas in July 2014.
On 4th June 2014, a Framework Agreement was concluded between the Department of Health, the HSE and the IMO. The Framework Agreement sets out a process for engagement concerning the GMS/GP contract and other publicly funded contracts involving GPs. Discussions are underway between the Department, the HSE and the IMO under the Agreement in relation to the provision of free GP care to children under 6 years. A number of meetings have taken place and further meetings have been scheduled.
When discussions on the contract’s scope and content and fee structure have been concluded, the setting of the fee rates will be a matter for the Minister for Health, subject to the provisions of legislation and the Framework Agreement. The aim is to have the phase in respect of the under 6's implemented by the end of this year or early next year, subject to the conclusion of discussions between the parties. 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.
