Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 November 2023
329. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the various changes and requirements needed to fully introduce Sláintecare are being pursued at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49248/23]
View answerThe Government remains fully committed to the Sláintecare vision of a universal single-tier health and social care system. The shared vision of Sláintecare is to introduce a universal health and social care system where everyone has equitable access to services based on need, and not ability to pay. Sláintecare is introducing a joined-up health system designed around the needs of people. Healthcare delivery is moving away from the hospital-centric system to one where more care is provided in community health centres, or at home. This needed reform is transforming our health system, is improving service quality, and will meet the needs of our ageing population.
The Sláintecare Implementation Strategy & Action Plan 2021-2023 is in the final year of delivery. Significant progress has been made across all key areas, including implementation of health regions, expansion of eligibility (abolition of acute in-patient charges, extension of free GP cards to children aged 6-7 and expansion of GP visit cards to those earning under the median income, free contraception for women agreed 17-10 and reduction in the Drug Payment Scheme threshold from €138 to €80), progress in developing elective hospitals, enhancing care in the community through community intervention and community specialist teams and significant increases in the health and social care workforce. Progress on implementation of reforms can be monitored through the minutes of the Sláintecare Programme Board which are published as a matter of course (www.gov.ie/en/publication/fbc36-slaintecare-programme-board/).
The next multi-annual strategic framework is currently being developed and be submitted in due course to Government for consideration.
