Dáil debates

Thursday, 23 July 2020

Health (General Practitioner Service and Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Bill 2020: Committee and Remaining Stages

 

5:30 pm

Photo of David CullinaneDavid Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

All Opposition parties supported the speedy passage of this legislation because there was an expectancy that its provisions would be implemented very quickly. When the Minister took to his feet to respond to the Second Stage contributions, and in one of his first replies on Committee Stage, he stated that this was the first step from his perspective in implementing Sláintecare and referred to himself and others being contacted by those over the age of 70 and others who want this matter resolved. There was a clear expectancy on the part of those people because when we were being contacted by them, we were telling them that the Bill was coming before the Dail and that we expected that matters would be resolved when it was passed. That does not seem to be the case, however. It is important that those people who were promised that this would be done - and the Minister said that this was a budgetary provision also - are given some certainty and timeframes. In light of the spirit in which the Opposition has approached this, in the context of Covid-19 and taking all Stages in one session, it is important that we get as much information as possible so that we are in a position to communicate with people as to when the legislation will come into effect. If I was asked when I leave this Chamber when this provision will come into effect and when someone will benefit from it, I would have to reply that I do not have the answer. It is incumbent on the Minister to give us that answer. If he cannot provide a definite timeframe, it would be important for him to at least give us an estimate in that regard.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.