Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 662: To ask the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners required to deliver free universal access; his plans to have that number of GPs in place in advance of the introduction of free for all GP service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10766/12]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 663: To ask the Minister for Health the date on which he will publish the findings of the study commissioned to identify the number of general practitioners needed to deliver a free for all GP service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10767/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 662 and 663 together.

The Government is embarking on a major reform programme for the health system. The aim of this reform is to deliver a single-tier health service that will deliver equal access to care based on need, not income.

A fundamental element in the reform process involves significant strengthening of primary care services to deliver universal primary care with the removal of cost as a barrier to access to General Practitioner (GP) services. I have established the Universal Primary Care Project Team, which has been tasked with working through the issues relating to the introduction of this commitment. The Project Team is meeting on a regular basis.

Universal primary care will be achieved on a phased basis to allow for the recruitment of additional doctors, nurses and other primary care professionals. Initially, free GP cover will be extended to persons in receipt of drugs and medicines under the Long Term Illness Scheme. Primary legislation is required to give effect to this commitment. There will be an announcement in due course about the start date for this arrangement.

The Department commissioned research to develop a model of demand for and supply of GP and practice nurse services. The outcome is a functional and adaptable excel model rather than any specific set of findings. The Project Team will make use of the model in the course of its work.