Legislation has been passed today which will allow children under six to have free GP care later this year.
 
Junior health minister Kathleen Lynch said the measure will be of huge benefit to families with “young children”.
 
But the Bill has faced opposition from GPs, who have questioned whether the €37 million in funding provided for the measure will be sufficient.
But the government said that up to 240,000 children will benefit from the measure.
 
Health Minister Leo Varadkar said it was “a significant step in the Government’s plan to provide universal health care”.
 
“This particular measure is the keystone of the Government’s policy in the area of primary care. We are shifting the focus of healthcare from hospitals to the community, and from treating illnesses to maintaining good health.” 

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