Dr. Dympna Kavanagh:

It is part of Sláintecare and the move towards universal care. We are taking the first step by focusing on people who are currently eligible. It was launched by the Departments of Health and Employment Affairs and Social Protection, which are working together to ensure both sectors receive the same services. In terms of medical card holders and those on the welfare side, the intention is to bring the two populations together in terms of service provision. This will be a huge majority of the population. Ultimately, the ambition in terms of the roll-out of Sláintecare is this would be the first step towards universal care, but not immediately.