Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 September 2012
425. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health his views on the rollout of the free general practitioner in order that more patients will leave Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, for home or nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40227/12]
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 this Department and the Office of the Attorney General and will be published shortly. Implementation dates and application details will be announced in due course.
