Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he has consulted with the IMO regarding the provision of universal GP care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37113/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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The 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. I have had preliminary discussions with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) and the Irish College of General Practitioners to outline policy in this regard. I expect to engage in further discussions with GPs/IMO as soon as the legislation is published.