Free GP care for under-sixes
Arthur Spring pressed for a firm timetable for free GP care for children under six. The Minister reaffirmed the commitment but said negotiations with doctors were necessary before setting a date.
The Government promised there would be free GP for those under six years of age. It then promised the legislation would be enacted by July 2014. The Minister for Health has indicated that he is unsure of the timeframe for when it will be implemented. It is a deliverable for this Government but we do not have a timeframe for it. Is there any certainty in Cabinet as to how this will be developed and is there a timeframe around the negotiations with the Irish Medical Organisation and the general practitioners?
Comment on this
It is not really a matter for the Order of Business because it has nothing to do with legislation.
Comment on this
It relates to promised legislation.
Comment on this
This is part of the revised programme for Government. The Government intends to implement this but negotiations are an essential part of rolling out this commitment. The Minister is committed to delivering it as quickly as he can but the State must negotiate terms for the delivery. One cannot set a firm date until one has-----
Comment on this
The issue of negotiations is a crucial part of this.
Comment on this
The lesson is not to make promises.