Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022
701. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health when free general practitioner care for children aged six and seven years of age will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22705/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra738. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the status of extending free general practitioner care to children under seven and under eight years of age. [22837/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra758. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the status of the proposal announced in budget 2022 to extend the automatic entitlement to free general practitioner visit cards to children under eight years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22967/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra769. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health when the inclusion of children aged six and seven years of age in the general practitioner visit cards scheme will take place, which was announced in budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23124/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra771. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health when the scheme for free qualification for a general practitioner card will be extended to children under eight years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23128/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 701, 738, 758, 769 and 771 together.
My officials and the HSE are engaged in preparatory work for the commencement of the initial stage of the phased expansion of GP care without fees to all children aged 12 years and under, the provision of GP care without fees to all children aged 6 and 7. Consultations with the IMO, representing GPs, are currently underway with the intention of introducing this service this year.
