Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 July 2020
264. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated additional funding provided to ensure universal general practitioner care since the adoption of Sláintecare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17858/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraProgress continues to be made in implementing the Sláintecare plan to provide universal access to healthcare through the expansion of eligibility on a phased basis.
On 25 June, the Government gave approval for the publication of the Health (General Practitioner Service and Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Bill 2020. This Bill provides, amongst other things, for the phased expansion of GP care without fees to all children from 6 to 12 years of age inclusive. The Bill was published on July 01, 2020 and it is expected to proceed through the Houses of the Oireachtas in mid-July. Funding in respect of first phase of the expansion, the provision of GP care without charges to children aged 6 and 7, was provided for within the Budget 2020 package of family friendly measures, which amounts to €45m in total.
