Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 February 2015
19. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the roll-out of free general practitioner care for the whole population; and his views on reports that it is to be delayed by three years, or more; the stage the negotiation regarding free general practitioner care for children under six years of age is currently at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7970/15]
View answerThe Government is committed to introducing a universal GP service for the whole population. This is being introduced on a phased basis. The objective is to have universal GP care without fees for children under 6 years in place in Quarter 2 of 2015, subject to the conclusion of discussions with the Irish Medical Organisation and the completion of a fee-setting process. The Government is also prioritising universal GP care for persons over 70 years to coincide with the introduction of universal GP care for children under 6. This will be facilitated under the existing GMS contract.
The Health (General Practitioner Service) Act 2014, which provides the legal framework for the under-six GP service, was passed by the Oireachtas in July 2014. I expect the Bill to extend GP services without fees to all over-70s to be published in March. These measures represent a major step on the way to universal health care.
