A Cavan-Monaghan TD had urged families to register for free GP visit cards for children aged 6 and 7.
From Friday, the under 6s GP Visit Card scheme was expanded to provide free GP care to all children under the age of 8 in Ireland.
The move represents the first stage in the biggest expansion in eligibility for free GP care covering up to half a million people. Speaking to Northern Sound, Deputy Brendan Smith said Fianna Fáil in Government is "committed" to making healthcare more affordable for families.
According to Deputy Smith, this is one of a number of measures that his party while in Government has introduced to make sure that that cost is not a barrier to children accessing healthcare. He added that this move will "undoubtedly" be of huge benefit to children and their families.
Deputy Smith continued; "I'm delighted that my party colleague Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has expanded free GP care to under 8s. Families can now register their children aged 6 and 7 for their free GP visit card.
"The expansion of free GP care to children aged 6 and 7 is the first stage of the expansion in eligibility for GP care without charges under the GP Agreement 2023. It will be followed by the expansion of free GP care to people earning up to the median income in September and November this year.
