Wage deal and GP legislation
Micheál Martin asks when public-sector pay legislation and promised universal free GP-care legislation will appear; the Tánaiste expects the former next week and the latter soon.
First, when can we expect the legislation to implement a public sector wage deal to be brought before the House? Is it imminent?
Second, with regard to the commitment in the programme for Government to universal primary and free GP care, we know this has been delayed or postponed. We are two and a half years in and there is no sign of the legislation. There is a clear commitment in the programme for Government that a universal primary care (amendment) Bill will be published. Will the Tánaiste update me on the progress of that Bill and when can we expect the legislation to provide for free GP care?
Comment on this
The legislation in regard to the discussions that have taken place with the public service trade unions on pay will be published tomorrow and I expect it will be in the House next week. It is welcome that the discussions have made such good progress.
With regard to the health legislation, the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, is due to bring proposals to the Government on the matter. I expect he will do so in the near future.