evidence: Free GP care for all has been official policy in Ireland since Sláintecare was adopted as the way forward for the health service more than five years ago. Progress has been slow, initially due to a lack of enthusiasm in government for Sláintecare and then because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, however, the winds of change are blowing more strongly and the Department of Health has asked the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) to cost the introduction of free GP care for the 56 per cent of the population who still do not have it. At up to €880 million, the ESRI’s estimated price-tag seems affordable, even in the context of other demands for spending in health. The Government’s real decision will be to decide how fast to move in the direction of free GP care, especially given the shortage of doctors working in the community.