Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 June 2025
874. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health the cost currently reimbursed to a GP for providing a patient with a full schedule of visits under the maternity and infant care scheme; when this cost was last changed or reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32465/25]
View answerThe Maternity and Infant Care Scheme (MICS) provides an agreed programme of care to all expectant mothers who are ordinarily resident in Ireland. This service is provided by a family doctor (GP) of the woman’s choice and a maternity unit or hospital. Women are entitled to this service even if they do not have a medical card or GP visit card.
The GP provides an initial examination, if possible before 12 weeks, and a further 5 examinations during the pregnancy, which are alternated with visits to the maternity unit or hospital. In the case of a significant illness, e.g. diabetes or hypertension, women may have up to 5 additional visits to the GP. After the birth, the GP will examine the baby at 2 weeks and both mother and baby at 6 weeks.
The fees payable to GPs under the scheme are set out in the Health Professionals (Variations of Payments to General Practitioners) Regulations 2016, as shown below; these fee rates were last changed in 2013.
|
GP Fees for services rendered under the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme |
- |
|
Description |
Amount |
|
Patient’s first visit |
€38.42 |
|
Visits 2-8 (per visit) |
€27.67 |
|
Visit 9 |
€38.42 |
|
Where complete services are provided — patient’s first pregnancy |
€242.85 |
|
Where complete services are provided — pregnancies other than the patient’s first pregnancy |
€270.52 |
|
Additional visits by patients with major conditions, e.g. diabetes, hypertension — fee per visit subject to maximum of 5 visits |
€27.67 |
|
Emergency delivery |
€230.53 |
The Scheme, including the schedule of visits, and reimbursement arrangements for GPs is currently under review by the HSE as an action of the National Maternity Strategy 2016-2026.
