Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 September 2012
435. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health the progress being made in providing general practitioner visit cards to persons who are on the long term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40321/12]
View answer444. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date position in relation to the general practitioner only card being issued to those on long term illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40359/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 435 and 444 together.
The 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.
