Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2015
832. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health whether the estimated cost to the State of between €330 million and €365 million for the introduction of free general practitioner, GP, care for all citizens included persons who are younger than six years of age or persons who are older than 70 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22173/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe estimate of €330m-€365m as the additional cost of providing a universal GP service to the entire population, as provided previously to the Deputy, was made on the basis of the existing scope of the service, rates of payments to GPs and eligibility. It did include costs related to the provision of the service to those persons aged under six years and those aged over 70 years of age; however it did not take account of the costs of the new enhanced service for those aged under six years under the proposed GP contract for that particular cohort.
