Advertisement

Fine Gael promises free GP care for all children by 2025

Fine Gael has made a series of healthcare promises today in what the party says are the first ste...
Newsroom
Newsroom

15.33 20 Jan 2020


Share this article


Fine Gael promises free GP car...

Fine Gael promises free GP care for all children by 2025

Newsroom
Newsroom

15.33 20 Jan 2020


Share this article


Fine Gael has made a series of healthcare promises today in what the party says are the first steps towards universal healthcare in Ireland.

The main government party announced this afternoon that it will remove the cost of healthcare for children by giving free GP care to under 18s by 2025.

The Minister for Health Simon Harris pledged that the policy would be implemented over the next five years in consultation with GPs.

Advertisement

The party also said it would abolish hospital charges for children in next year's budget.

Minister Harris promised free dental care for under 16s during the life of the next government and free baby boxes filled with clothes, nappies and blankets for all new arrivals.

He said: “Fine Gael believes a parent should never have to choose between the health of their child and the cost of care.

“We are now taking the next steps towards universal healthcare."

Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe said the party "understands the cost faced by families in caring for their children" and believes that "cost should never be a barrier to children receiving basic healthcare".

Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil also launched its health policy this afternoon.

The party has promised 4,000 new nurses, up to 1,000 new hospital consultants and 2,600 new hospital beds if elected.

Speaking at a press briefing this morning, the party's health spokesperson Stephen Donnelly said they would be focusing on reducing waiting lists for treatment, retaining doctors and nurses, and managing budgetary issues.

Additional reporting by Seán Defoe

Main image: Minister for Health Simon Harris. Photo: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie

Share this article


Read more about

Election 2020 Fianna Fáil Fine Gael Health

Most Popular