Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2026
459. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Health the indicative timeline for extending GP visit card eligibility to children aged eight to 12 years, in line with the Programme for Government commitment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48531/26]
View answer460. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Health the preparatory work underway to support the extension of free GP care to children aged eight to 12 years, including engagement with GPs and system planning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48532/26]
View answer461. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Health whether Budget 2027 will include provision for the extension of free GP care to children aged eight to 12 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48533/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 459, 460 and 461 together.
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 will be a key factor in enabling the expansion of GP care without charges. Work on the review has been ongoing, and significant progress has been made, with the report to be completed this year.
Discussions relating to the 2027 Estimates process are currently underway and will not be concluded until closer to the date of the Budget.
