Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the progress made in relation to the provision of free general practitioner care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11190/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The Government's Programme for Government committed it to major reforms of the manner in which health services are delivered. As part of the reform programme, Universal Primary Care is to be introduced on a phased basis during its term of office. Primary legislation is being prepared to give effect to this commitment. The wording of this legislation, which will 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. As the legislation is still being drafted, I am not in a position to give a definite date for its publication. Details of an implementation timeframe, illnesses to be covered etc and application details will be announced in due course.