Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 192: To ask the Minister for Health which other countries' health systems have been examined with respect to implementing universal health insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14549/12]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 193: To ask the Minister for Health which country's health system his model of universal health insurance will be based on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14550/12]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 194: To ask the Minister for Health if his model of universal health insurance will be based on the Dutch model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14551/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 to 194, inclusive, together.

The Government is committed to fundamental reform of the health system. This will see the delivery of a single-tier health service, supported by universal health insurance, which will ensure equal access to care based on need, not income. The reform programme is a complex and major undertaking that requires careful planning and sequencing. Detailed consideration must be given to the optimal structures for delivery of different services and to the critical inter-relationships between services as well as best practice in health care reform.

Officials in my Department have been examining the experience of health reforms in a range of countries. Part of this work included organising a seminar on universal health insurance which was attended by experts from the World Health Organisation, the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies and the Dutch Health Ministry. My officials also undertook a study visit to the Netherlands in June 2011 to examine the Dutch health insurance model and a similar visit to Germany is in the process of being arranged.

Such contact with relevant bodies, both at national and international level, is vital to enhancing our knowledge and informing policy. I see it as imperative that we continue to engage with interested parties and gain from the experiences of other countries in this area and this is reflected in the membership of the Implementation Group on Universal Health Insurance which includes international experts working with the World Health Organisation and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. I should point out, however, that ultimately, this Government's reform proposals will be designed to meet the needs of the Irish system and to ensure the best outcomes for Irish patients.