The extension of free GP care to all carers has been welcomed this evening by Mayo FG Senator Michelle Mulherin.

New legislation has been passed by the Oireachtas, which means that 14,000 carers nationally will now receive a free GP Visit Card.

Anyone receiving either full or half-rate Carers Allowance or Carers Benefit will be eligible for free GP visits.

Senator Mulherin is hoping applications will open by September for those eligible, and says it's an important step in caring for carers...