BUDGET 2016: Free GP care plan challenged by unions

Critics: No resources to extend plan to 200,000 children aged 5 to 11

The Government’s ambitious plan to extend free GP care to another 200,000 children, a central plank of yesterday’s health budget, is already under fire from the main medical unions.

The proposal, which Junior Health Minister Kathleen Lynch said was estimated to cost €40m in a full year, would entitle children aged 6-11 to free visits to the family doctor towards the end of next year.