Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Will the Minister of State spell out exactly what alleged legal issues have arisen with regard to the promised extension of free general practitioner care to people on the long-term illness scheme? He indicated this could only be done over a protracted period. His words will offer little solace to those on the long-term illness scheme who are coping with serious health issues. They were expecting free general practitioner care to be extended to them on the basis of a commitment to do so set out in the programme for Government. This commitment was to be the first element in the roll-out of the plan to introduce free GP care for all. What exactly are the legal difficulties to which the Minister of State referred? Will he indicate for what other purpose the €17 million allocated for the first phase of the roll-out will be used?

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