Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if he has commissioned any external studies regarding the implementation of universal health insurance. [13423/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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This Government is embarking on a major reform programme for the health system, the ultimate objective of which is to ensure equal access to healthcare based on need, not income. This objective will be achieved through a single-tier health service supported by universal health insurance. The health reform process is a comprehensive and complex task that requires careful planning and sequencing. I have not commissioned an external study regarding the implementation of universal health insurance. Rather, officials in my Department are currently giving careful consideration to the reform programme with a view to developing implementation proposals.

As part of this process my officials organised a seminar on Universal Health Insurance which was attended by experts from the Dutch Health Ministry, the World Health Organisation and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. Furthermore, next month, my officials will be undertaking a study visit to the Netherlands to examine in more detail the Dutch health reform programme. A similar visit to Germany is also in the process of being arranged. Such seminars and visits provide an important opportunity for my officials to understand the achievements and learnings associated with the Dutch health reforms as well as considering international best practice in healthcare reform.

It is envisaged that there will be ongoing examination of the experience of health reform in a range of countries. It is worth noting however, that this Government's reform implementation proposals will be designed to fit the Irish system and to obtain the best outcomes for Irish patients.