Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2023
643. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health following the announced Investment of over €23 billion in budget 2023 in Ireland's health and social care services, when the proposed increase for eligibility of people for general practice access cards will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25555/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra714. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if the GP visit card income threshold increase that was due to be introduced on 1 April after being committed to in budget 2023 has been communicated to the HSE and commenced since that date; if not, the reason for the delay; when it is expected to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25997/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra747. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health when the new means limit for the GP only card, which was due to be in place from April 2023 will come into force; and if he will outline the exact thresholds that will apply. [26099/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 643, 714 and 747 together.
The Government is committed to the extension of GP visit card eligibility to those who earn the median household income or less, as announced in Budget 2023. Approximately 400,000 additional individuals are estimated to become eligible for a GP visit card under this expansion.
My Department and the HSE are engaged in intensive discussions with the IMO in relation to the concerns they have expressed around the roll-out of this increase in eligibility. These talks, which include engagement on the best use of the additional funding provided in Budget 2023 to support capacity in general practice, are currently ongoing. In the meantime, the necessary planning and administrative development work to provide for the expansion is well advanced in preparation for the commencement of the expansion.
Information in relation to the commencement of the expansion and further operational information will be provided when available.
