Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2012
679 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if a doctor (details supplied) in Dublin 9 may apply to be added onto the medical card panel in view of new legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9870/12]
View answerThe Health (Provision of General Practitioner Services) Bill will eliminate current restrictions on fully qualified and trained GPs wishing to obtain contracts to treat public patients under the GMS contract and will empower the Minister for Health to set entry terms based on public health and public interest considerations. The Bill has passed through the Dáil and is due to complete its passage through the Seanad tomorrow. This legislation will result in medical card and GP visit card patients having a greater choice of GPs under the GMS Scheme. It will also help to ensure that private patients of new GP contract holders, who qualify for a medical card or GP visit card, will not have to change their GP.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
