Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 September 2012
30. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the current position regarding the incremental extension of free GP care; if there is a timetable for its implementation; if he will elaborate on the reported legal difficulties in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40984/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra53. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify if legal complications have arisen in relation to legislation needed to roll out free GP care; if so the reason the Health Amendment Bill has been included on the legislative agenda for this Dáil term; if it is unlikely that it will be completed over the next year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40971/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 53 together.
The Programme for Government committed to reforming the current public health system by introducing universal GP care without fees within the first term of office of this Government. Primary legislation is required to give effect to this commitment.
The Government approved the general scheme of a Bill in July which will enable me to make regulations to extend access to GP services without fees to persons with prescribed illnesses.
The Department is currently working with the Office of the Attorney General on preparing the legislation which I expect to be published during the current session.
After the legislation has been enacted, the details of the new arrangements will be announced.
