Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 593: To ask the Minister for Health if extra resources will be allocated to the Health Service Executive medical card section to facilitate the efficient roll out of the legislative proposal to extend free primary care to those citizens with medical conditions recognised on the long term illness schedule [30920/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government commits to reforming the current public health system by introducing Universal Health Insurance with equal access to care for all. As part of this, the Government is committed to introducing Universal GP Care within its first term of office.

Primary legislation is required to give effect to this commitment. The Department of Health is currently drafting legislation to provide for the phased introduction of a universal GP service without fees in line with the commitment set out in the Programme for Government. Initially it is intended to extend GP cover without fees to persons with certain long-term illnesses. It is my intention to have the Bill published and enacted before the summer recess.

€15 million was set aside in the Budget for 2012 for the purpose of commencing the phased extension of GP services without fees.