13 March 2023

Expanding access to free general practice services

The Minister for Health has confirmed that expanding access to free GP services from April 2023 will go ahead extending eligibility to adults who earn €46,000 per annum or less (the national median), in addition to all children under the age of six.

The means that almost half of Irish citizens will have access to free GP care.

Dan Hodgson, FODO's Head of Policy and Public Affairs, said: "This is an important step forward in primary health care for the nation, meaning that many thousands of people earning below the national median will be able to access free GP services. This now needs to extend beyond general medical care to primary eye care for children and adults to safeguard the eye health of the most vulnerable and ensure appropriate access to primary eye care services nationwide."