THE PHASED INTRODUCTION of free GP care has been approved, the Minister of State for Primary Care revealed today.

Roisin Shortall announced that the Government has given its approval to the preparation by the Department of Health of Heads of a Bill to progress the phased introduction of a free GP care in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government.

The first phase will allow for the extension of access to free GP services for those with illnesses or disabilities to be prescribed by regulations under the new legislation.

Shortall said she intended to have the legislation drafted and enacted before the summer recess.

In January, The Minister for Health Dr James Reilly told the Dáil that all claimants of free drugs on the Long-Term Illness Scheme would have free access to GP care by the summer. Those who are signed onto the High-Tech Drugs Scheme would receive care from GPs without cost from 2013, he added.