Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We are of one mind again on that. It is not only the WHO that questions this. I refer to the commentary from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The Society of Actuaries in Ireland has warned that insurers could need up to €2.4 billion in additional regulatory capital to operate UHI. I attended and participated in an IMO seminar towards the end of last year in Dublin city centre. Professor Trevor Duffy and his colleagues at the helm of the organisation stated: "The system as outlined will restrict choice and lead to rapid closures of smaller health facilities throughout the country." There is strong and real concern across the board regarding the UHI approach.

I am absolutely committed to universal health care and I refer again to the opening sentences of the Minister's reply. I indicated to the previous Minister of State at the Department of Health on the announcement of the introduction of free GP care for under sixes that I was prepared to support this, which is a different position from my Fianna Fáil colleague, as it was to be part of a programmed roll-out of universal access to free GP care. Will the Minister undertake to ensure there is not an inordinate time lapse between the introduction of the roll-out to the under sixes and over 70s and the roll-out to the rest of the population? That would only perpetuate inequality and a double standard within the system. We need a speedy move towards the universal roll-out of free GP care. Will the Minister please give a clarification?

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