Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 250: To ask the Minister for Health the number of long term illness patients who quality for free general practitioner care, the number in receipt of same in December 2011, the number in receipt now, when legislation introducing the scheme will be published, when it will be enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34221/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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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, on a phased basis, GP care without fees within its first term of office. Primary legislation is required to give effect to Government commitment to introduce a universal GP service without fees. Legislation to allow the Minister for Health to make regulations to extend access to GP services without fees to persons with prescribed illnesses is currently being drafted by the Attorney General's office and will be published shortly. Implementation dates and application details will be announced in due course.