Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 June 2023
360. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health to outline what additional funds were made available to GPs in budget 2023 to assist in delivering additional GP-only cards; how that money was spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30375/23]
View answerThe Government is committed to the expansion of GP visit card eligibility to those who earn the median household income or less, as announced in Budget 2023. The measure will remove the cost of accessing GP care from those for whom cost is most likely to prevent access; with approximately 400,000 additional individuals estimated to become eligible under the expansion.
The funding for the expansion, including funding for a significant package of additional capacity supports for general practice, was provided in Budget 2023 within an extensive €107 million package that included other new cost of living measures. At present the expansion has not commenced, accordingly the funding for the expansion has not been spent. Information in relation to the commencement of the expansion will be provided when available.
