Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 April 2015
163. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the provision of free general practitioner services for children under six years of age and people over 70 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15145/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to introducing a universal GP service without fees on a phased basis. The first phase will be for all children aged under 6 years. This service will commence during the summer. In parallel with this, the second phase will extend universal GP care without fees to all persons aged 70 years and over, subject to the passing of the necessary legislation. These measures represent a major step on the way to universal health care. By this summer, approximately 800,000 people in Ireland will benefit from universal access to GP services.
Agreement has been reached between the Department of Health, the HSE and the Irish Medical Organisation on terms for the delivery of GP care without fees for all children aged under 6. This agreement represents the first step in the phased introduction of a universal GP service without fees. Under the new arrangements, an additional 270,000 children under 6 will benefit from GP care free at the point of service. This service will commence during the summer. This will be preceded by a public information campaign and simple on-line arrangements for parents or guardians to register their children for the service.
All children under 6 will benefit from the new enhanced service under the proposed GP contract. This will involve age-based preventive checks focused on health and well-being and the prevention of disease. These assessments will be carried out when a child is aged 2 and again at age 5. The contract will also cover an agreed cycle of care for children diagnosed with asthma, under which GPs will carry out an annual review of each child where the doctor has diagnosed asthma.
In parallel with this, GP care without fees will be extended to all persons aged 70 years and over, subject to the passing of the necessary legislation. The Health (General Practitioner Service) Bill 2015, which was published on 25 March 2015, will provide the statutory basis for the over-70s universal GP service. This service will benefit about 36,000 people and will be provided under the existing GMS contract.
