Free U-6s GP care bill passes, but no extension

The Government has passed legislation to introduce free GP care for the under-sixes, but rejected proposals from independent TDs to easily extend the free services for children when they exceed that age.

Junior Health Minister Alex White also faced calls last night to explain if he had inadvertently misled the Dáil on discretionary medical cards when it was insisted previously just 1,000 people had lost benefits.

The debate came as TDs debated the passing of a health bill which will give effect to the Coalition’s promise to give children under six years of age free GP care this year.