Parents and guardians may now register their kid for a GP visit card as part of the expansion of free general practitioner treatment to children aged six and seven.

Adding six- and seven-year-olds to the programme was announced as part of Budget 2023, but GPs expressed worry that it would put further stress on general practices, which are already operating at or beyond capacity in many parts of the nation.

However, the HSE stated that several measures have been put in place to help GPs manage the anticipated rise in demand for services as part of an agreement with the Irish Medical Organisation.

Children of the appropriate age can register on the HSE website, and the card will grant them free access to their general practitioner. The visit card does not cover the cost of prescription medications or other services.

The HSE further stated that from September 11 and November 13th, the eligibility for income-based GP visit cards would be expanded in two waves.