Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1375: To ask the Minister for Health if he will expedite an application for a medical card renewal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19206/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 1376: To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update in his progress in drafting primary legislation which is required to implement Budget 2012 plans to provide a general practitioner visit card for persons with diabetes, and other conditions covered under the long term illness scheme, by March 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19320/12]

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 first term of office of this Government.

Initially it is intended to extend GP cover without fees to persons with a defined illness. 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. The Department is currently working on preparing legislation, which is intended to be published as soon as possible.