Batt O'Keeffe
Question:65 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he intends to establish a free general medical service scheme. [3941/97]
Written Answers. - General Medical Services Scheme.
Limerick East): The general medical services scheme provides a general practitioner service and prescription medicines free of charge to persons who are unable, without undue hardship, to provide these services for themselves and their dependants, that is persons covered by medical cards. I presume the Deputy is referring to an extension of this scheme to cover the total population. There are no plans to extend the general medical services scheme. However, a range of schemes are in place to assist people with medical expenses who are not eligible for medical cards.