Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 April 2025
1002. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Health when she will bring forward proposals to provide medical cards for children over eight-years-of-age as proposed in the Programme for Government. [17411/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government includes a commitment to 'expand free GP services to children up to at least 12 years, and keep its further extension under review'. The delivery of GP services without charges is achieved through the expansion of the GP Visit Card; there is no commitment in the Programme for Government to extend Medical Cards to this age group.
As set out in the Programme for Government, it is our intention within the life-time of this Government to expand GP care without charges to all children up to the age of at least 12 years. This will be done in a planned way, in cooperation with GPs to ensure that there is adequate capacity in place. The outcome of the Strategic Review of General Practice, which is underway and expected to complete its work this year, will also be a key factor in enabling the expansion of GP care without charges.
In considering the broader question of eligibility, there has been a significant focus on improving access to and affordability of healthcare services to deliver expanded eligibility in recent years. However, the overarching eligibility framework has not been subject to a comprehensive review as envisaged under Sláintecare.
My Department officials are currently implementing a significant programme of work to complete a comprehensive review and appraisal of the arrangements that underpin the existing eligibility framework. This will enable the development of evidence-based policy options for a future eligibility framework to support a progressive move towards universal healthcare.
