Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 September 2012
39. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason he has yet to begin negotiations with the IMO in relation to the roll out of free general practitioner care; when these negotiations are expected to begin; his views on whether promises made in relation to the roll out of free GP care are impossible until agreement is reached with GPs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40957/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government provides for significant strengthening of primary care services to deliver Universal GP Care with the removal of cost as a barrier to access for patients. Universal GP Care will be achieved on a phased basis. Primary legislation is required to give effect to this commitment. 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 Attorney General's office and will be published shortly. Implementation dates and application details will be announced in due course.
There have 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. At that stage, I will be in a better position to know what is possible or otherwise.
