An agreement for the provision of free GP services to children under the age of six was reached yesterday.
The Irish Medical Organisation stated that the agreement should also enhance the services available for asthmatic children.
The Government will increase investment in the area to €67 million, with doctors being paid an annual fee of €125 per child.
The new scheme should be available from June.
The agreement will see children under the age of six having wellness checks at the age of two and five, while each child who is diagnosed with asthma will have an annual check.
The scheme will also give more accessibility to GPs for senior citizens as they will no longer have to pay to see their GP.
A plan for diabetes care was also agreed upon, which will see those who hold a medical card or a GP-only card entitled to two visits a year to their GP.
