Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
1547. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of implementing free GP care; the expected number of patients to be affected; when he expects it to be implemented; the number of times he has met representative bodies on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37087/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra1548. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of implementing and extending free general practitioner care to those with long-term illnesses; the expected number of patients to be affected; when he expects it to be implemented; the number of times he has met representative bodies on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37088/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1547 and 1548 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.
I have met with the Irish Medical Organisation and the Irish College of General Practitioners to outline the Government's intentions and further discussions will be arranged once the legislation is finalised.
An annual budget of €15 million was provided for the first phase of the roll out of GP care without fees.
