Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 July 2012
719 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when he intends to introduce amending legislation to give persons with long-term illness cards, free general practitioner services and to implement other reforms in relation to the general medical card scheme particularly in relation to general practitioner services and access to free prescriptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36199/12]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to reforming the current public health system by introducing Universal Health Insurance with equal access to care for all. As part of this, the Government is committed to introducing, on a phased basis, GP care without fees within its first term of office. Primary legislation is required to give effect to Government commitment to introduce a universal GP service without fees. Legislation to allow the Minister for Health to make regulations to extend access to GP services without fees to persons with prescribed illnesses is currently being drafted by the Attorney General's office and will be published shortly. Implementation dates and application details will be announced in due course.
