Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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666. To ask the Minister for Health the number of citizens included on the long-term illness scheme; and the progress of plans to furnish general practitioner visit cards to persons with illnesses covered by this scheme. [3042/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, 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 Office of the Attorney General and the Department and it will be published shortly. Implementation dates and application details will be announced in due course.

I have requested the Health Service Executive to confirm the number of people on the Long Term Illness Scheme and will revert to the Deputy in due course.