Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health the delegated functions in the area of primary care that will be granted to the newly appointed Minister of State with responsibility for primary care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42770/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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An order to delegate appropriate functions to Minister of State Alex White is being prepared. Subject to Government approval, I envisage that Minister of State White will be given responsibilities across a range of statutory functions, similar to those delegated to his predecessor including: controlled drugs, pharmacy and medicines.

Many of the matters that arise for ministerial decision in the Primary Care area do not have a specific statutory basis. I intend to delegate responsibility to Minister of State White on a non-statutory basis in relation to the following areas of Primary Care:

Development of Primary Care

Medical Card and GP Visit Card Schemes

Community Drug Schemes

Issues relating to GPs, Dentists, Pharmacists, and Opticians

Dental, Audiology, Optical and Chiropody services

National Drugs Strategy Minister of State White will also have delegated responsibility for alcohol related health issues.