James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I recently established an implementation group on universal health insurance. This group will play a central role in assisting the Government to deliver on its commitment to introduce a single tier health system, supported by universal health insurance. For too long there has been a two tier system operating in our hospitals and which has been very detrimental to those who cannot afford insurance. They are forced to wait a long time for their health care. I refer to the tragic case of the late Susie Long and unfortunately there are many others who have also suffered consequences. I want to see this end, as does this Government. This group will assist in developing detailed and costed implementation proposals for universal health insurance and will actively help drive the implementation of various elements of the reform programme. It will, therefore, have a dynamic role with a strong practical focus on implementation. It will report to me on an ongoing basis. The first meeting of the group was held on 1 March 2012 and it will meet again before Easter.

In designing the model of care on which universal health insurance will be based, I want to 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. We also need to look at the relationships between services and at best practice in health care reform.

Officials in my Department have been examining the experience of health reforms in a range of countries, including in the Netherlands and in Germany. This analysis is vital to enhancing our knowledge and informing policy. I want to implement a model of care which best meets Irish needs but which also builds on best international experience. This is reflected in the membership of the universal health insurance implementation group. The membership 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 line with the pragmatic focus of the group, its membership will be flexible and subject to periodic review as different stages of the implementation process are reached. It is my intention that the group will also consult widely as part of the reform implementation process.

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