Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Health the way the money follows the patient programme as outlined in the Health Service National Plan 2013 will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2263/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government commits to introducing a prospective based "Money Follows the Patient" (MFTP) funding system whereby each patient would be funded on an individual basis. The introduction of this funding system is a critical stepping stone in the path to universal health insurance.

Under MFTP providers will be paid for the needs they address, the quantity and quality of the services they provide and the outcomes they deliver, rather than being in receipt of a historical block grant allocation. They will be liberated, subject to overall budgetary ceilings, to pursue the most cost-effective means of achieving this standard of performance.

It is intended that MFTP funding will commence on a shadow basis in 2013. A detailed policy paper on MFTP which outlines policy and implementation proposals has been developed. I am currently considering this paper and I intend to seek Government approval to publish it for consultation with key stakeholders in the coming weeks.