Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7, 19 and 29 together. The Deputies are referring to the White Paper, which is in draft form, on universal health insurance that is being developed by my colleague, the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly. Universal health insurance is a priority policy area for the Government. My Department, given its central role, is always engaged constructively with other Departments to ensure that policy development takes account of the impact on the economy, the Exchequer and the taxpayer. Universal health insurance is no different to any other policy area across any other Department. I am committed to working with the Minister, Deputy Reilly, and all the other members of the Government to ensure this policy is progressed. I understand that the Minister's paper will be submitted for Government approval and publication shortly. It will stimulate a debate on universal health insurance. That debate will be necessary and valuable and I look forward to contributing to it and to it determining the future for health delivery in the country.

See this speech in context