David Cullinane
Ceist:1613. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of providing free general practitioner care to children under eight years of age. [29847/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 14 June 2022
Ceisteanna (1613, 1614, 1615)
David Cullinane
Ceist:1614. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of providing free general practitioner care to children under ten years of age. [29848/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDavid Cullinane
Ceist:1615. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of providing free general practitioner care to children under 12 years of age. [29849/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1613, 1614 and 1615 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.
The consultations with the IMO include discussions on the scope of services to be provided and the rate of fees payable to GPs for the provision of that service, variables that will effect the cost of the service. For this reason it is not possible to give an estimate of the cost of extending GP care without fees to all children aged 6 and 7. Similarly, it is not possible to give an estimate of the cost of the further stages of the phased expansion of GP care without fees to all children aged 12 years and under.
Question No. 1614 answered with Question No. 1613.
Question No. 1615 answered with Question No. 1613.