Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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Question 208: To ask the Minister for Health if he has plans to extend free general practitioner care to those who qualify under the long-term illness scheme. [11823/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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The Programme for Government committed to reforming the current public health system by introducing Universal Health Insurance with equal access to care for all. As part of this reform programme, the Government is committed to introducing Universal Primary Care within its first term of office.

Initially, free GP cover will be extended to persons with defined long-term illnesses in receipt of drugs and medicine under the Long Term Illness Scheme. Primary legislation is required to give effect to this commitment. Once primary legislation has been approved by the Oireachtas, the details of the new arrangements will be announced.