The programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce a universal primary care Bill, which will be the legislative basis for the introduction of universal primary care, particularly general practitioner cover by 2016. The revelations last week indicated that the cost of implementing this commitment, the centrepiece of the health reform programme of the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, would be approximately €332 million. When can we expect the Bill to be introduced? Is the proposal for universal primary care on track for implementation by 2016?

The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Alex White, has indicated that legislation will be required to realise the promise to restore discretionary medical cards to those who lost them. The Minister for Finance gave a commitment that those who lost their cards will have them restored. When will the relevant legislation come before the House?

When does the Government intend to move the writ to fill the vacant seats in the constituencies of Roscommon-South Leitrim and Dublin South-West?

The free medical card for children aged under six years will take priority over the primary care Bill. The former will move first, with the latter moving subsequently. If legislation is necessary to change the eligibility basis for medical cards and restore medical cards to those who lost them in the recent review, the matter will be progressed by the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, and Minister of State, Deputy Alex White. The Cabinet discussed this matter yesterday and the Minister and Minister of State will bring proposals to Cabinet within two weeks. The date for any legislation that may be necessary will be decided when the relevant Bills have been drafted.

On the third issue the Deputy raises, a decision had not yet been taken on moving writs for the by-elections.