Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 296: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide the detail of his proposals for the introduction of a universal health system based on the private insurance model; the projected cost to each citizen and family; the waivers or reliefs he plans to build into the arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8161/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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This Government is committed to implementing a comprehensive programme of health reform, the ultimate objective of which is to ensure equal access to health care based on need, not income. This objective will be achieved through a single-tier health service supported by universal health insurance. I would like to clarify that the VHI will be retained in public ownership and will together with private insurance companies offer people a choice of insurer.

The key policy principles of the reform programme are as follows. Firstly, the reform will involve significant strengthening of primary care services to deliver universal primary care with removal of cost as a barrier to access for patients. This commitment will be achieved on a phased basis to allow for the recruitment of additional doctors, nurses and other primary care professionals.

In parallel to the development of primary care, there will also be significant reform of the acute hospital sector. I am committed to tackling the issue of waiting times and waiting lists by introducing new initiatives such as the Special Delivery Unit. A more transparent and efficient "Money Follows the Patient" funding mechanism and a purchaser/provider split will also be introduced. In the latter case, this will involve establishing public hospitals as independent, not for profit trusts.

Once the key building blocks, such as a strengthened primary care system and "Money Follows the Patient" funding, have been put in place, the health sector will be ready for universal health insurance. The universal system will guarantee that every citizen has equal access to a comprehensive range of curative services, including both primary and hospital care. Affordability of insurance premiums will be achieved through a system of subsidies for people on low and middle incomes.

Significant work is required in order to further develop the precise proposals and detailed implementation arrangements for the phased introduction of the above reforms. This work will include the publication of a White Paper on Financing Universal Health Insurance as set out in the Programme for Government. I will be communicating on an ongoing basis as the detailed arrangements for examination and implementation of the reforms are progressed.