The free GP care for under sixes scheme officially goes live today, with 79,000 out of a potential 270,000 eligible children registered.
The scheme is now fully operational for parents who have signed up and received a card, which entitles children under the age of six to free GP visits and asthma care, as well as assessments at age two and five (age based preventive checks focused on health and wellbeing and prevention of disease).
While there are still issues to be ironed out, with families in some parts of the country facing long journeys to find a participating doctor, the scheme will save parents up to €50 per GP visit.
If you have registered and have not yet received your card, you can still access free GP care by using the card number sent to you by text until your card arrives.
