Brendan Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Health the progress that has been made towards making the holders of long term illness cards eligible for free general practitioner care; the legislative timetable for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17017/13]

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. As part of the first phase, legislation is currently being drafted by the Office of the Attorney General and the Department. The legislation is intended to allow the Minister for Health to make regulations to extend access to GP services without fees to persons with prescribed illnesses. The legislation will be published when it is completed. Implementation dates and application details will be announced after the legislation is in place.