Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2023
664. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the current position regarding the drafting of legislation for the GP card for children under seven years, as provided for in budget 2023; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22754/23]
View answerThe Government is committed to increasing access to GP care without charges for children, an important healthcare measure that will remove a potentially prohibitive cost barrier to accessing GP care and will help to improve children’s health as they develop. At present all children under six years of age are eligible for a GP visit card and therefore GP care without charges.
The Health (General Practitioner Service and Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Act 2020 provides, amongst other things, for the phased expansion of GP care without fees to all children aged 12 years and under. It is currently planned to expand the provision of GP care without charges to all children aged 6 and 7.
My officials and the HSE have made preparations for this expansion. Engagements were held with the IMO, representing GPs, throughout last year, and engagement is ongoing in relation to the necessary fee structures for this service. It is intended to introduce the expansion as early as possible.
