Health Minister Simon Harris says he has received Government approval to extend free GP care to all children under the age of 13.

This will begin with children aged six and seven.

The Department of Health will now draft a bill to extend GP care, without charges, to all children of primary school age.

It will also increase the income limits for medical card assessments for people aged 70 and over.

The Government says this legislation will provide the basis for "phased extension" of free GP care to all children under the age 13 in the years ahead.

The implementation of the budget measure giving access to medical cards for those aged 70 or more will see an increase in the weekly gross income threshold to €550 for individuals, or €1,050 for couples.

It is estimated that this measure will benefit up to 56,000 people.

Minister Harris said: "This legislation will improve access to GP services for children and increase the numbers of those over 70 who have access to a medical card.

"It reflects the Government's commitment to delivering healthcare for all.

"We remain determined to ensure that cost should not be a prohibiting factor in children accessing appropriate healthcare when and where they require it, and this decision is a significant step towards meeting that goal."