In addition, if free GP visits extend only to the age of 13, they will do nothing to address the fact that teenagers often disengage from the health system during a crucial period in their mental, physical and emotional development. In contrast, extending the scheme until their 18th birthday increases the chances that the health system will be able to provide a seamless transition for them into adult primary healthcare. Extending free GP visits up to 17-year-olds sends the message that the Green Party will support all young people and has the courage of its convictions to go beyond a smaller extension to age 13, as the current Government proposes.
for limiting the welfare state, for example public funding for social services or social security, e.g. private care before state care