General Practitioner Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012

Tuesday, 18 September 2012

Ceisteanna (1511, 1718, 1796, 1812, 1823)

Pat Deering

Ceist:

1511. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health when persons with long-term illnesses will receive their medical cards as announced in budget 2012. [37049/12]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

1718. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if he will extend free general practitioner visits to long-term illness card holders this year. [38202/12]

Simon Harris

Ceist:

1796. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the policy to provide free general practitioner care to citizens; when the first phase of this plan, which will involve free GP care being provided to patients with long-term illnesses, will be progressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38843/12]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

1812. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when free general practitioner visits will be extended to long-term illness card holders; and if he will expedite the measure. [38942/12]

Patrick O'Donovan

Ceist:

1823. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health further to the announcement in budget 2012, the current status of the extension of free general practitioner care to all claimants of medicines under the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39077/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1511, 1718, 1796, 1812 and 1823 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 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.

Question No. 1512 answered with Question No. 1497.