Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1210: To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the opening of the new primary care centre that will cover Palmerstown, Dublin 20; the stage of the plans for the primary care centres for Clondalkin, Dublin 22, and Lucan, County. Dublin; if his national primary care plan will meet the target as set out in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17810/12]

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 GP Care within the term of office of this Government. 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.

Initially it is intended to extend GP cover without fees to persons with defined long-term illnesses. 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. €15m has been made available to meet the costs involved in 2012.

As other aspects of the Deputy's questions relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the HSE, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address these matters and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.