Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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Question 163: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the studies her Department has carried out on the possible introduction of universal health insurance; the overall cost of such a scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35456/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The issue of what is an appropriate method of funding the health services was discussed in the Health Strategy of 2001, which remains Government policy. The conclusion in the Strategy was that the present system should remain as "there is no compelling evidence that any alternative approach to the tax-based system would deliver significant improvements".

If the question is referring to an extension of full eligibility to everyone, which the Health Strategy did not propose, then my view is that it is reasonable to expect those who can afford to pay for services to do so. There are many supports available already to those without full eligibility. These include the GP Visit Card, the Long Term Illness Scheme, treatment in a public ward of an acute hospital is free other than a modest hospital charge for non medical card holders, and the Drugs Payment Scheme contributes significantly towards the cost of pharmaceuticals. In addition, there are reliefs available in respect of medical costs under taxation provisions.

The largest element of cost in extending full eligibility to the entire population would arise under the general medical services scheme. If this were extended to the whole population, the estimated cost would be in excess of €3 billion, based on current fees to participating contractors, i.e. pharmacists and GPs in the GMS Scheme.

This estimate takes no account of adjustments to fees to the contractors which might result from negotiations that would be required with the representative bodies of the contractors involved. The additional costs that might arise under other schemes, such as the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) and other community services, have not been taken into account.