Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I did not say the Minister has published details plans in respect of universal health insurance. I said it is the intention of the Government to introduce a universal health insurance system at the end of this Oireachtas which will mean everybody will have medical attention made available to them on the basis of their medical requirement as distinct from their income. The Minister has set up an implementation group and it will meet very shortly. His intention is to produce a White Paper which will be properly discussed. It will not be implemented this year. As I said, it is part of the programme for Government to introduce it towards the end of the lifetime of this Government. The medical card situation here seems to be similar to the passport problem we had some time ago.

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