Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government is committed to introducing a universal GP service by 2016 as an essential component of introducing universal health insurance. As announced in the budget, it has been decided to commence the roll-out of the universal GP service by providing all children aged under five with access to a GP service without fees. The implementation of this particular measure will require primary legislation. The Department and the HSE are examining that in terms of the changes which need to be made to the GMS contract to facilitate the introduction of universal primary care. That new GP contract will focus on prevention and will include a requirement for GPs to provide care as part of an integrated multidisciplinary series of primary care teams. The formulation of the new contract will have regard to the constraints of Irish and EU competition law, in particular in regard to the setting of fees and allowances. The Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, met the Irish Medical Organisation earlier this year and outlined the Government's policy in regard to primary care. Obviously, he will engage with personnel in the coming weeks in regard to details of that contract. Deputy Healy-Rae asked about the fair deal scheme, about which I am sure he will ask later. All of this will be sent to Deputy Martin today.

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