Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 October 2012
580. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he is in talks with the Irish Medical Organisation and the Competition Authority in relation to the issue of free general practitioner care; when such talks are likely to begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44116/12]
View answerLegislation to allow the Minister for Health to make regulations to extend access to General Practitioner (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.
The Department and the HSE is currently examining the changes that need to be made to the General Medical Services (GMS) contract to facilitate the introduction of Universal Primary Care. As part of this process, the Department has held discussions with the Competition Authority with regard to Competition Law. There have also been preliminary discussions with 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.
