The expansion of the GP Visit Card Scheme announced recently by Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, will benefit an additional 215,000 people.

The development has been described by local Fianna Fáil senator, Erin McGreehan, as “significant”.

“With this latest expansion of the scheme, close to half of all households in the country could be eligible for free GP care.”

She said her Party in government is focused on doing everything possible to remove cost as a barrier to healthcare, particularly in the ongoing cost of living crisis.

“As the scheme has expanded again, I want to encourage everybody, even those who do not think they qualify, to find out more. Information is available on www.hse.ie/GPVisitCards.” Sen McGreehan added.