Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy referred to credibility. Not only did the Government of which he was a supporter and a member not get around to extending universal GP care but it had a policy opposing it. It is extraordinary for him to raise the credibility of this Government in those circumstances, given the policy position of the previous Government in opposition to universal health care. He will be wiser within weeks. We told the House that we will come forward with our alternative workable and achievable proposals in this regard by the summer. We are on course to do that and the Minister and I have discussed the issue as late as this week. We are having intensive work done. I have been engaged in intensive work on this in recent weeks. I have worked harder on this issue than any other in the Department to put together a set of proposals with their delivery times outlined, which is something we have not witnessed from any Government in the history of the State in the context of universal GP care, given its importance in the management of chronic illness and across the board. Money will be available and the Government has made clear its commitment to delivering on the implementation of this service. The HSE Vote contains funding of €30 million for this year for the initial phase of the provision of the service. The Government will deliver, as distinct from fail to deliver, on this fundamental element of health policy of the party opposite.

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