The Government has approved a Bill to provide universal GP care to over 70s.

The legislation is due to come into effect in the second quarter of this year, pending approval by both houses of the Oireachtas.

This is intended to coincide with the introduction of the same service for children under six.

Minister for Health Leo Varadkar and Minister of State for Primary and Social Care Kathleen Lynch today received Cabinet approval for the Health (General Practitioners) Bill 2015.

Mr Varadkar called it a “significant step towards universal health care” in Ireland.

“This phase in the introduction of a universal GP service for the whole population will see free GP services extended to all persons over the age of 70, regardless of income or means,” Mr Varadkar said.

“In tandem with separate plans for the under-sixes, this will ensure that the youngest and the oldest have access to GP care without fees. This is a significant step on the way towards universal health care,” he said.

The estimated cost to the Exchequer of the scheme is €18m per year.

Ms Lynch welcomed the Government decision saying: “The first two phases covering the over-70s and the under-sixes will ensure that our oldest citizens and the parents of our youngest can go to their GP, focusing on their health and not how much the visit will cost.”

The Government estimates that 36,000 people over 70 currently pay to attend a GP as they are not covered by a medical card or GP visit card.