LAST OF THE BAILOUT BUDGETS SEES FREE GP CARE PROVIDED FOR UNDER 5s - KENNY

Posted on October 15, 2013 7:59 PM   |   Permanent Link   

Dublin Bay North Labour TD Sean Kenny has said that free GP services for children aged five and under is a first step in securing universal access to primary care for all citizens, and eliminating the two-tier health system.

"In line with the Programme for Government, the Government is allocating €37 million to fund the roll out of Free GP Care for children aged 5 and under. This is a first step in our programme to provide Free GP Care for everyone and I am very pleased that despite the economic restraint the Government has been forced to operate under, it has still been able to introduce this measure."

"This is a significant advance for families with young children. And it is a really progressive public health initiative for the country. The evidence is clear that people delay or avoid visiting their GP where a fee is required. Removing this cost barrier will mean that citizens will be far more likely to address medical problems at an earlier stage, leading to better outcomes and treatment that is of less cost to the State. There is a very good reason why GP care without fees is the norm in Northern Ireland, Britain and across Europe: because it makes sense and it works."

"Over the last two and a half years Ireland has made enormous progress. I know that the adjustments the Government has had to make have been very tough on people. It has been hard to do what is necessary but it is working. The economy is growing and we are creating jobs and reducing unemployment. We are working our way to recovery."