Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
467. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health if a person can claim back the cost of Caredoc and a general practitioner while waiting for a general practitioner card for children under seven years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59809/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is understood that the Deputy is referring to children aged 6 & 7 who do not hold a medical or GP visit card. At present all children up to and including the age of 5 are eligible for a GP visit card and therefore GP care without charges.
The Health (General Practitioner Service and Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Act 2020 provides, amongst other things, for the phased expansion of GP care without fees to all children aged 12 years and under in three phases: to children aged 6 and 7; to children aged 8 and 9; and to children aged 10, 11 and 12. Budget 2022 provides for the initial stage of this phased expansion, the provision of GP care without fees to all children aged 6 and 7 and my Department has commenced work to roll this service out in the course of 2022.
The specific date for commencing the expansion remains under consideration in light of COVID-19 and the additional pressures the expansion might place on general practice in that context and will require consultation with the IMO, representing General Practitioners. All children aged 6 & 7 will be eligible for a GP visit card, and therefore GP care without charges, from the commencement of the expansion to that age cohort.
