KENNY WELCOMES GO-AHEAD FOR OVER 70s UNIVERSAL GP SERVICE

Posted on March 25, 2015 12:03 PM   |   Permanent Link   

Dublin Bay North Labour TD Seán Kenny has welcomed the news that the Government have given the go-ahead to proceed with legislation to put in place free GP services extended to those over 70 years of age.

"This is the next phase in the rolling out of free GP care all citizens. The Government have started this already with free GP care to children under the age of six. The reason these two groups of citizens are getting free GP care services extended to them first is because these two groups, the youngest and oldest members of society, are most in need of them. The Bill also ensures that dependants, including spouses or partners, of a person over 70 years of age will continue to have access to a GP service, without fees, where the existing income qualifying criteria are met."

"It is intended to have the legislation in place by the second quarter of this year, and to have the actual service introduced alongside the free GP service for children under the age of six years. Free GP care is a fulfilment of what the Government committed to in terms of introducing a universal GP service for the whole population on a phased basis and I am very pleased to see it being implemented."