Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I assure Deputy Kelleher there is no question of a delaying tactic in this regard. In fact, I discussed this matter with the Minister for Health as recently as this afternoon. We are actively considering this question in terms of the approaches, the timing and the financial implications of the phased implementation of the universal primary care health service. As I said previously, it must be seen in the context of the broader reform programme, including the roll-out and implementation of universal health insurance. The two go hand in hand. A range of options is under consideration with a view to bringing developed proposals to the Government shortly. We indicated before the summer that we would make announcements after the summer, as Deputy Kelleher said. At the risk of being facetious, it is still after the summer. We are working very actively on this question.

With regard to the Deputy's question about the GPs, we will discuss this matter with them. However, the Government will make the decisions. All Governments must operate on that basis. The policy decisions are made by the Government but the implementation and the roll-out will, of course, be the subject of discussions.

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