Opposition criticise proposed free GP care to under-18s as pre-election stunt

Members of the opposition have already criticised the Leo Varadkar's announcement to extend free GP care to under-18s as a pre-election gimmick.

The Health Minister announced this evening that all children under the age of 18 will be in line for free GP care if the Government is re-elected.

Leo Varadkar made the announcement in his speech at the MacGill Summer School in Glenties.

The Minister said that it is the logical next step after introducing free care for the under 6s earlier this year, and he believes doctors will sign up.

@astaines In an ideal world I'd love if free GP care cud b provided. Fact on d ground is private income (as in hosp) covering GMS shortfall

— Eoin Mac Donncha (@EoinMcDonagh79) July 23, 2015

"As of today, 91% of GPs have signed-up, including the majority in South Tipperary, who just signed up today," said the Minister.

"We're moving on to everyone 70 and over from next month, so that's about 300,000 people who don't have to pay their doctor who used to in the past. But we now need to think about the next steps, and what that's going to involve is extending it to all children, all aged under-12 first, and then all children aged 12 to 18."

#macgill15 @campaignforleo Free GP care for under 6's and 70+ a good practical start to universal care - can't really assess medical need.

— Anthony Staines (@astaines) July 23, 2015