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General Practitioner Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 October 2012

Tuesday, 16 October 2012

Questions (579, 641, 642, 648, 702)

Gerry Adams

Question:

579. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health when he intends to provide free general practitioner care for claimants under the long term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44115/12]

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Billy Kelleher

Question:

641. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the drafting difficulties arising from the proposal to grant medical cards on the basis of illness, rather than means, which has stalled the delay in the roll-out of free general practitioner care to persons with long-term illnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44350/12]

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Billy Kelleher

Question:

642. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an indication of the time expected to resolve the drafting difficulties arising from the proposal to grant medical card on the basis of illness, rather than means, which has stalled the delay in the roll-out of free general practitioner care to persons with long-term illnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44351/12]

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Billy Timmins

Question:

648. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the introduction of free general practitioner care to everyone; when free GP care will be provided for patients with long-term illnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44427/12]

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Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

702. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the nature of the drafting difficulties arising from the proposal to a grant medical card on the basis of illness, rather than means, which not only forms the basis of the roll-out of free general practitioner care to persons with long-term illnesses but also forms the basis of much of his programme of reform [44800/12]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 579, 641, 642, 648 and 702 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 the 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.

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