Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 37 together.

The programme for Government commits 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 GP care within the term of office of this Government. I have established the universal primary care project team which has been tasked with working through the issues relating to the introduction of this commitment. Officials from the Department and the HSE are represented on this project team. The project team has been meeting regularly, approximately fortnightly since February.

The Government has given its approval to the preparation of heads of a Bill to progress the phased introduction of free GP care in line with the programme for Government. I intend that this Bill will be published and enacted prior to the summer recess. It is envisaged that the first phase in the programme will provide for the extension of access to GP services without fees to persons with illnesses or disabilities to be prescribed by regulations under the new legislation. A provision of €15 million was made available in the 2012 Estimates for the first phase of the programme.

I have had preliminary discussions with the IMO and the Irish College of General Practitioners to outline policy in this area. I expect to engage in further discussions with GPs and the IMO at the appropriate time.

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