Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for his reply. He has outlined the steps he is taking for the introduction of universal health insurance. It will be some years before we see the type of model on which the system will be based and the cost implications for the State. The perception is that universal health insurance and universal GP care will be free, but they will have to be paid for by someone somewhere along the line. The issue must be discussed early on as it is a fundamental shift in how we fund the health service and make it available. The people have a right to know who will bear the cost.

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