Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Marc MacSharry's call for a debate on universal health care. It concerns forward planning in the health care system. We face major challenges, particularly in the care of the elderly, and need to engage in the forward planning that was not undertaken in the 14 years Senator Marc MacSharry's party was in government. Over €500 million had to be paid back because of a lack of planning in the then Department of Health and Children under the leadership of the current leader of the Fianna Fáil Party. That is why we are setting out it is not something that will be implemented overnight. The document is being launched today and 2019 is the target date for its implementation. I would welcome a debate on the matter. It is important to realise that, according to the most recent report from the OECD, the Government is spending approximately $3,700 a year on health care for every man, woman and child in the country. On top of this, people are paying over $2 billion in health insurance premiums. Over $15 billion a year is being paid by the people, including the taxpayer, to meet health care costs. On top of this, additional moneys are being paid for care of the elderly. It is important, therefore, that we engage in forward planning and have a debate on a universal health care system which will not all be set out today or tomorrow. It will take time to develop to make sure it is properly implemented.