Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2013
832. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Health the progress being made with regard to the extension of access to general practitioner services without fees, to persons with illnesses or disabilities, that will be prescribed by regulations under new legislation; when the legislation is due to be published; if non Cf Bronchiectasis will be included in these regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5597/13]
View answer854. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a timeframe for the introduction of free general practitioner services for those who are entitled to free drugs under the long-term illness scheme and for those in the high tech drugs scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5812/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 832 and 854 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 the Office of the Attorney General and the Department and it will be published shortly. Implementation dates and application details will be announced in due course.
An annual budget of €15 million was provided for the first phase of the roll out of GP care without fees.
