Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 May 2017
203. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of children eligible for the free under six years of age general practitioners scheme by county; the number of general practitioners that are signed up to the scheme, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24825/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe introduction of GP care without fees to children under 6 years of age in July 2015 represents a major step forward in improving access, quality and affordability of health care in Ireland. The under-6s GP service contract, which includes age-based preventive checks focused on health and well-being and a cycle of care for children with asthma, underlines the Government’s commitment to enhancing primary care and keeping people well in their own community.
2,353 GPs hold contracts with the HSE for the provision of general practitioner services to children under 6 and 363,377 children under 6 have access to GP care without fees through a medical card or GP visit card as at 1 May 2017. This represents approximately 90% of the under 6 population, according to the latest census information available from the CSO for this age cohort.
As a breakdown of the information requested by county is not routinely collected by my Department, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
