GOVERNMENT PLANS to roll out free GP care to people with long-term illnesses are “very much on track”, according to Minister for Health James Reilly.
Dr Reilly rejected a report in yesterday’s Irish Times that the measure was delayed by at least a year. However, he acknowledged there had been “some delay” and that the legislation underpinning the change was complex.
The Bill providing for the extension of free GP care to people with diabetes, epilepsy and other long-term illnesses will be published in the next Dáil term, Dr Reilly said.
The measure, the first step towards a Government promise to introduce free GP care for all, was supposed to have been introduced by last March, according to the programme for government.
Dr Reilly subsequently promised that everyone on the long-term illness scheme would have access to free GP care by the summer, but this deadline was not met.
The Bill has been delayed because of drafting difficulties arising from the proposal to grant medical cards on the basis of illness, rather than means. Another factor has been the priority given to other health legislation in the Attorney General’s office.
Talks have yet to take place with the Irish Medical Organisation and the Irish College of General Practitioners on the measure.
Fianna Fáil health spokesman Billy Kelleher said he had no confidence the measure would be introduced this year.
