You are correct, it was proposed that holders of Long Term Illness books would be given GP visit cards. If I recall, the Minister had hoped to roll it out in Feb of this year, but it appears that it hasn't been enacted in legislation as yet.
This is all I can find on it, taken from the Dept of Health press releases:
Sorry to dig up an old thread, hopefully someone can assist. Is it possible to apply for a GP visit card that is only applicable for my son who requires repeat prescriptions every 28 days?