FREE GP CARE FOR UNDER SIXES EXPECTED BY MID-2014 - KENNY

Posted on April 16, 2014 3:49 PM   |   Permanent Link   

Labour TD Sean Kenny has welcomed the statement made by Minister Alex White today that free GP care for children under six is expected to be available by the middle of this year.

"This is a big step forward in terms of how people across the country, particularly the youngest in our society, avail of healthcare services. Some 240,000 children will be able to benefit from this new development when it comes on stream later this year."

"The Government is funding this initiative by putting forward €37 million. This is the first stage in the process of enabling all citizens to be able to access their GP for free."

"It is great news for parents with young families and sets out the principle that all children under the age of six are entitled to see their GP at no charge. They are the youngest members of society and it is only right that they are able to access this service universally and without reference to how wealthy their parents are."

"The Government has agreed that the Bill should be published and introduced to the Oireachtas as soon as possible, and I look forward to supporting it."