James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

The Government is committed to fundamental reform of health care that will deliver a single tier health system, supported by universal health insurance, where access is based on need, not income. A new insurance fund will subsidise or pay insurance premiums for those who qualify for a subsidy.

As part of the reform programme, the Government is committed to introducing universal GP care within the current term of office. It has given its approval to the preparation of the heads of a Bill to progress the phased introduction of free GP care. It is envisaged that the first phase 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. Funding for later phases will be addressed during the budgetary process.

In February I established an implementation group on universal health insurance which will assist in developing detailed implementation plans for universal health insurance and driving implementation of various elements of the health reform programme. It will also assist my Department in preparing a White Paper on financing universal health insurance which will outline the estimated costs and financing mechanisms associated with the introduction of universal health insurance. It will be published as early as possible within the Government's term of office.

The reform programme is a major undertaking that requires careful sequencing for a number of years. The implementation group will continue in existence throughout the health reform process and oversee implementation of the reforms and consult widely. The introduction of universal health insurance and universal GP care is a policy matter for the Government, not a matter for the troika. However, in implementing policies the Government must have regard to the targets agreed with the troika and set out in the national plan for recovery.

See this speech in context