Menu
17/04/2014
Govt Agree Publication Of Free Children's GP Care Legislation
The government has agreed to publish the legislation that will pave the way for free GP care for children aged 5 and under.
Fine Gael TDs and members of Oireachtas Health Committee, Jerry Buttimer and Regina Doherty, welcomed the news, with Deputy Buttimer saying: "I am very pleased that the Government has reached agreement on the legislation to introduce free GP care for children aged 5 and under.
"By removing barriers to medical care we can make it easier for health problems to be spotted at an early age, which will have a major impact on long term health outcomes.
"This is a hugely positive public health initiative, and will be strongly welcomed by middle income families who are feeling the pinch. Once this legislation is enacted, a parent will never again be forced to choose between paying a bill and bringing their child to the GP.
"I know concerns remain for GPs, but I am confident that an agreement can be reached that is supported by all sides."
Deputy Doherty said: "Almost a quarter of a million children will benefit from this initiative once it is fully introduced. In the years to come, I believe the introduction of free GP care for young children will be looked back upon as a major advancement in public health provision.
"I noted with interest a recent Trinity College study which found that GP visits are only expected to increase by one or two per week under free GP care. This should help to allay concerns that free care will suddenly lead to GPs being inundated.
"I know from my own experience as a mum that you only want to bring your child to the doctor if they are sick – this Government wants to make sure that money doesn't get in the way.
"I would like to encourage the IMO to engage and fully embrace the negotiation process. The organisation has been written on three occasions and they have yet to respond. They need to come in and sit at the table so we can hammer out an agreement; this can't be achieved by negotiating over the airwaves."
(MH/JP)
Fine Gael TDs and members of Oireachtas Health Committee, Jerry Buttimer and Regina Doherty, welcomed the news, with Deputy Buttimer saying: "I am very pleased that the Government has reached agreement on the legislation to introduce free GP care for children aged 5 and under.
"By removing barriers to medical care we can make it easier for health problems to be spotted at an early age, which will have a major impact on long term health outcomes.
"This is a hugely positive public health initiative, and will be strongly welcomed by middle income families who are feeling the pinch. Once this legislation is enacted, a parent will never again be forced to choose between paying a bill and bringing their child to the GP.
"I know concerns remain for GPs, but I am confident that an agreement can be reached that is supported by all sides."
Deputy Doherty said: "Almost a quarter of a million children will benefit from this initiative once it is fully introduced. In the years to come, I believe the introduction of free GP care for young children will be looked back upon as a major advancement in public health provision.
"I noted with interest a recent Trinity College study which found that GP visits are only expected to increase by one or two per week under free GP care. This should help to allay concerns that free care will suddenly lead to GPs being inundated.
"I know from my own experience as a mum that you only want to bring your child to the doctor if they are sick – this Government wants to make sure that money doesn't get in the way.
"I would like to encourage the IMO to engage and fully embrace the negotiation process. The organisation has been written on three occasions and they have yet to respond. They need to come in and sit at the table so we can hammer out an agreement; this can't be achieved by negotiating over the airwaves."
(MH/JP)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 July 2015
Free GP Care For Children Under 6 Begins
Free GP Care for children under the age of 6 starts today, 01 July. All children who are registered under the Scheme can attend their GP without charge. Over 79,000 children have been registered to avail of this new service and over 2,030 GPs have signed up to provide services as part of the scheme.
Free GP Care For Children Under 6 Begins
Free GP Care for children under the age of 6 starts today, 01 July. All children who are registered under the Scheme can attend their GP without charge. Over 79,000 children have been registered to avail of this new service and over 2,030 GPs have signed up to provide services as part of the scheme.
25 April 2014
Free GP Care For Children Under Six Welcomed
The publication of legislation for free GP care for children under six years of age marks another important milestone in the rollout of universal healthcare, according to Cork South West TD Michael McCarthy.
Free GP Care For Children Under Six Welcomed
The publication of legislation for free GP care for children under six years of age marks another important milestone in the rollout of universal healthcare, according to Cork South West TD Michael McCarthy.
14 October 2013
Free GP Care For Children Under Five Secured
The Department of Health says it has secured funding in the 2014 Budget enough to ensure it can supply free GP care for children aged five years and under next year. It is thought 240,000 families will benefit from the scheme, expected to cost about €40m.
Free GP Care For Children Under Five Secured
The Department of Health says it has secured funding in the 2014 Budget enough to ensure it can supply free GP care for children aged five years and under next year. It is thought 240,000 families will benefit from the scheme, expected to cost about €40m.
02 June 2011
Almost 70,000 Carers To Receive Respite Grant This Year
Almost 70,000 carers are due to receive the Respite Care Grant, the majority of them this week. The annual grant of €1,700 is available to all carers providing full-time care and attention to an older person or a person with a disability, regardless of their means or social insurance contributions.
Almost 70,000 Carers To Receive Respite Grant This Year
Almost 70,000 carers are due to receive the Respite Care Grant, the majority of them this week. The annual grant of €1,700 is available to all carers providing full-time care and attention to an older person or a person with a disability, regardless of their means or social insurance contributions.
16 June 2015
Free GP Care Registration System Opened
The registration system for the new Free GP Care for Children Under 6 has been officially launched by Labour's Kathleen Lynch. From July 1st all children under 6 will be eligible for GP care free at the point of service.
Free GP Care Registration System Opened
The registration system for the new Free GP Care for Children Under 6 has been officially launched by Labour's Kathleen Lynch. From July 1st all children under 6 will be eligible for GP care free at the point of service.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
