Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2013
145. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if, in view of advances in the treatment and early detection of cancer, he will consider including cancer patients on the free general practitioner card for long-term illnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13844/13]
View answerThe Government's Programme for Government committed it to major reforms of the manner in which health services are delivered. As part of the reform programme, Universal Primary Care is to be introduced on a phased basis during its term of office. Primary legislation is being prepared to give effect to this commitment. The wording of this legislation, which will 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. As the legislation is still being drafted, I am not in a position to give a definite date for its publication. Details of an implementation timeframe, illnesses to be covered etc and application details will be announced in due course.
