I propose to take Questions Nos. 586, 587, 590, 591 and 641 together.
I am committed, as outlined in the Programme for Government, to reforming the current public health system by introducing universal GP care without fees within the first term of office of this Government. The Programme for Government provides for significant strengthening of primary care services to deliver universal GP care with the removal of cost as a barrier to access for patients. Universal GP Care will be achieved on a phased basis. Primary legislation is required to give effect to this commitment.
In July, the Government approved the general scheme of a Bill in accordance with the Programme for Government. 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 in conjunction with this Department and will be published shortly. Implementation dates and application details will be announced in due course.
I am advised that there have been preliminary discussions with my predecessor, Minister Shortall and the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) to outline policy in this regard. I expect to engage in further discussions with GPs/IMO as soon as the legislation is published.