Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 256: To ask the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a medical card. [8547/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 257: To ask the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a medical card. [8550/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 258: To ask the Minister for Health when persons who hold long-term illness cards will be awarded general practitioner visit cards as announced in budget 2012. [8551/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Programme for Government committed to reforming the current public health system by introducing Universal Health Insurance with equal access to care for all. As part of this reform programme the Government is committed to introducing Universal Primary Care within the first term of office of this Government.

It is intended to provide GP visit cards to persons in receipt of drugs and medicines under the Long Term Illness Scheme. Primary legislation is required to give effect to this commitment. There will be an announcement in due course about the start date for the new arrangements. It is hoped that the new arrangements will be in place by early Summer.