'I think we can afford it,' Varadkar reiterates plan to extend free GP care to under-18s

By Liz Dunphy

The Health Minister Leo Varadkar reiterated his plan to extend free GP care for everyone under the age of 18 this evening, however no firm details have been announced as of yet.

On RTE's Nine O'Clock News, he stated that he would focus on plans to secure free GP care for primary school students first, before rolling the scheme out to everyone under 18.

"I think we can afford it," he said.

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has said that no discussions have yet taken place on the issue, but they are currently in discussion on a new GP contract with the Department of Health.

Free GP care for the under-sixes was first announced in 2013's October budget, it was designed to be the first phase of a scheme to eventually introduce free GP care for all.

The plan however proved controversial, and it was delayed by negotiations for a new contract with GPs, and stalls in passing the legislation.

Although some GPs have still not signed up for the scheme, it is possible for parents of under-sixes to now register for the scheme.

Free GP care to the over-70s is scheduled to begin next month, which represents stage two of the role-out of the minister's plans.