Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
1330. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to extend the cycle of care for children aged under eight years with an asthma diagnosis, to all people under the age of 18 years, with or without a GP card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48594/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for health services in Ireland is based primarily on residency and means. The Act provides that persons who are unable, without undue hardship, to arrange GP services for themselves and their family can qualify for a medical card or GP visit card. Certain groups, including all those under 8 years of age and those over 70 years of age, are automatically entitled to a GP visit card.
GP care without charges for all children under 6 years of age was introduced from July 2015. In addition to the provision of GP services, the Under 6s Contract also provided for periodic wellness assessments at ages 2 and 5 and for the Asthma Cycle of Care programme.
The Asthma Cycle of Care programme required GP contract holders to maintain a register of all child patients aged between 2 and 5 years with a confirmed diagnosis of asthma, and to provide services for those patients in accordance with the agreed cycle of care set out within the contract.
As part of the 2023 GP Agreement, the annual review provided for under the Asthma Cycle of Care will continue to be provided until the registered child patient has reached 8 years of age.
