Dáil Question regarding free access to GPs for non CF Bronchiectasis

DÁIL QUESTIONS addressed to the Minister of State at the Department of Health (Mr White)

* To ask the Minister for Health the progress being made with regard to the extension of access to general practitioner services without fees to persons with illnesses or disabilities which will be prescribed by regulations under new legislation; when this legislation due to be published; if non Cf Bronchiectasis will be included in these regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. €“ Anthony Lawlor T.D.

For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 5th February, 2013

REPLY.

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.

An annual budget of €15 million was provided for the first phase of the roll out of GP care without fees.

ENDS