Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Government committed to introducing, on a phased basis, a universal GP service without fees within its term of office, as set out in the Programme for Government. The Government has commenced this process in respect of all children under 6 years. The Health (General Practitioner Service) Act 2014, which provides an entitlement for all children aged under 6 to a GP service without fees, was enacted on 25th July 2014. Under a Framework Agreement, the Department of Health, the HSE and the IMO are engaged intensively on the introduction of GP services without fees for children aged under 6.

The Government's aim is to have universal GP care without fees for children under 6 years implemented early next year, subject to the conclusion of the present discussions and the completion of a fee-setting process.

In July 2014, the Government approved the drafting of a Bill to amend the Health Act 1970 to provide a GP service, without fees, for all persons aged 70 years and over. Drafting of the Bill by the Department and the Attorney-General’s Office is nearing completion and this will allow for the introduction of access to GP care without fees for persons aged 70 and over, which will be facilitated under the existing General Medical Services contract.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government committed to introducing, on a phased basis, a universal GP service without fees within its term of office, as set out in the Programme for Government. The Government has commenced this process in respect of all children under 6 years. The Health (General Practitioner Service) Act 2014, which provides an entitlement for all children aged under 6 to a GP service without fees, was enacted on 25th July 2014. Under a Framework Agreement, the Department of Health, the HSE and the IMO are engaged intensively on the introduction of GP services without fees for children aged under 6.

In July 2014, the Government approved the drafting of a Bill to amend the Health Act 1970 to provide a GP service, without fees, for all persons aged 70 years and over. Drafting of the Bill by the Department and the Attorney-General’s Office is nearing completion and this will allow for the introduction of access to GP care without fees for persons aged 70 and over.

The Government's aim is to have the first two phases for the under-6s and over-70s implemented early next year subject to the conclusion of the present discussions and the completion of a fee-setting process. By the end of next year, approximately half of the population will have access to GP services, without charges.  That’s a major step on the way to universal health care.

Some GPs have raised concerns that there could be a high level of inappropriate or unnecessary attendances at GP practices when a service is free and have suggested that there could be an option for a GP to apply a nominal fee to deter such unnecessary visits to a GP, and free up GP time for genuine patients. However, the Minister for Health is currently implementing the phased introduction of a universal GP service without charges in line with existing and planned legislation.