Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide some detail on the type of model of universal health insurance that he is proposing for the health system here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42773/12]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he intends to introduce the Dutch model of universal health insurance here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42774/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 584 and 585 together.

The Government is committed to fundamental reform of healthcare in Ireland that will deliver a single tier health system, supported by universal health insurance (UHI), where access is based on need, not income. Every individual will have a choice of health insurer and will have equal access to a comprehensive range of curative services.

In February, I established an Implementation Group on Universal Health Insurance which will assist in developing detailed implementation plans for universal health insurance and driving implementation of various elements of the health reform programme.

In designing the model of care on which universal health insurance will be based, we must ensure that it meets the needs of Irish citizens and that it achieves the best outcomes for patients. This requires that we carefully plan and sequence the reform programme and that we give detailed consideration to the most appropriate structures for delivery of different services. Ultimately, this Government is committed to introducing an Irish model of universal health insurance that best fits the Irish system.

It is also important that we look to other countries that have developed health insurance-based funding models and that we build on best international experience. This is reflected in the membership of the UHI Implementation Group. The UHI Implementation Group comprises a mix of those with executive responsibilities within our health services and external expertise, including international experts working with the World Health Organisation and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. In addition, officials in my Department have been examining the experience of health reforms in a range of countries, including the Netherlands and Germany. This analysis is vital to enhancing our knowledge and informing policy.

The reform programme is a complex and major undertaking that requires careful sequencing over a number of years. The Implementation Group will continue in existence throughout the health reform process and will oversee different elements of the reforms as they are being put in place. It is also intended that it will consult widely as part of the reform implementation process.