773. Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health when free general practitioner care will be extended to under 12s which was to be introduced in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1520/19]

The Programme for Government commits to extend in phases, and subject to negotiation with GPs, free GP care to all children under 18 years of age.

Legislative changes would be required for any such extension of free GP care to further cohorts of the population. It would also be subject to agreement by Government on the allocation of funding and the outcome of discussions with GP representatives on contractual matters.