Universal Social Charge Application

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2015

Thursday, 15 January 2015

Ceisteanna (163)

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

163. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if his Department has made an estimate of the administrative costs associated with the implementation of universal health insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1950/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Department of Health is undertaking a major costing exercise to estimate the cost of Universal Health Insurance (UHI) for individuals/households and the Exchequer, and is working closely with the ESRI and the Health Insurance Authority on this. The exercise will also take account of administrative costs associated with the model of UHI as set out in the White Paper.

The Minister expects to have the initial costings in April. These results will assist Government in deciding on the next steps towards achieving a single tier health service providing universal healthcare.