Pádraig MacLochlainn
Ceist:38. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health when the implementation Group on Universal Health Insurance will report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40992/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 27 September 2012
Ceisteanna (38, 67)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:67. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when can we finally expect to see a White Paper on the introduction of universal health insurance; if he will provide any detail yet on the type of mode of universal health insurance that he intends to introduce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40973/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 67 together.
The Government is committed to fundamental reform of healthcare in Ireland that will deliver a single tier health system, supported by universal health insurance (UHI), where access is based on need, not income. Every individual will have a choice of health insurer and will have equal access to a comprehensive range of curative services.
In February, I established an Implementation Group on Universal Health Insurance which will assist in developing detailed implementation plans for universal health insurance and driving implementation of various elements of the health reform programme.
The Group will also assist my Department in preparing a White Paper on Financing Universal Health Insurance. The White Paper will outline the estimated costs and financing mechanisms associated with the introduction of universal health insurance. Preparation of the White Paper is a complex process. It will involve significant financial modelling to support analysis of different design options and to estimate the cost of UHI. The White Paper will be published as early as possible within the Government's term of office.
In designing the model of care on which universal health insurance will be based, we must ensure that it meets the needs of the Irish system and that it achieves the best outcomes for patients. This requires that we carefully plan and sequence the reform programme and that we give detailed consideration to the most appropriate structures for delivery of different services.
It is also important that we look to other countries that have developed health insurance-based funding models and that we build on best international experience. This is reflected in the membership of the UHI Implementation Group. The UHI Implementation Group comprises a mix of those with executive responsibilities within our health services and external expertise, including international experts working with the World Health Organisation and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. In addition, officials in my Department have been examining the experience of health reforms in a range of countries, including the Netherlands and Germany. This analysis is vital to enhancing our knowledge and informing policy. I would like to reiterate that, ultimately, this Government's reform proposals will be designed to meet the needs of the Irish system and ensure the best outcomes for Irish patients.
The reform programme is a complex and major undertaking that requires careful sequencing over a number of years. The Implementation Group will continue in existence throughout the health reform process and will oversee different elements of the reforms as they are being put in place. It is also intended that it will consult widely as part of the reform implementation process.