Deal on free GP care for U-6s follows 81% payment hike

Doctors agreed a deal allowing free GP care for under-6s after the Government increased its payment by €30m to €67m — an 81% increase, it emerged yesterday.

Under the agreement, capitation fees for children under the age of six will be €125, up from the €68.65 currently received. Extra payments and supports brings the price to €216.

An additional 270,000 under-6s will will get free GP care under the deal announced after months of negotiation and ahead of the Irish Medical Organisation’s conference in Kilkenny.