Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 May 1993

Vol. 430 No. 2

Written Answers. - Health Services Strategy.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

52 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the four year national health strategy which he has promised, he will undertake to ensure that it is set in the context of inequality; if he will ensure that the criteria for providing health care is geared in such a way as to combat the socio-economic factors that create a greater ill-health among those living in poverty and those who are unemployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

In announcing my intention to draw up a detailed four-year strategy for the health services, I made it clear that equity would be a fundamental core principle underlying all future planning in the services. This will involve not alone the question of equitable access to services but also an analysis of the factors that give rise to disparities in health status and how these can be addressed.