Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Can the Taoiseach clarify whether the Government is proposing legislative changes or will be sending the heads of a Bill? In that context, my colleague, Deputy Niall Collins, has published legislation that would give additional powers to the ombudsman commission, particularly in terms of bringing the Commissioner within its remit of accountability, giving access to PULSE and a number of other matters. Will the Government be prepared to facilitate the committee considering that legislation and discussing its contents? It was put forward in good faith by Deputy Niall Collins and is a constructive contribution to the issues in respect of giving greater powers to an independent statutory body such as the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. I ask the Taoiseach to clarify whether the Government proposes legislation.

Second, with regard to the health (general practitioner medical service) Bill, there is much confusion abroad regarding the position of the Minister of State, Deputy White, which appears to suggest there will not be completely free GP care for all, which was a key promise and plank of the programme for Government. He suggested that nothing is free and that fees for the free service were being considered. I ask the Taoiseach to confirm when that Bill will be published and whether it will legislate for free GP care, as contained in the programme for Government? In that context, will the long-term illness part of the programme for Government be deleted or will it be followed through in this legislation? I refer to the commitment to provide medical cards to long-term illness card holders.

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