Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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540. To ask the Minister for Health when his Department will publish a White Paper on Universal Health Insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54765/13]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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624. To ask the Minister for Health the target date for the publication of the White Paper on Universal Health Insurance [54292/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 540 and 624 together.

The Government is committed to a major reform programme for the health system, the aim of which is to deliver a single-tier health service, supported by universal health insurance (UHI), where access is based on need, not on income. Under UHI, everyone will be insured and will have equal access to a standard package of primary and acute hospital services, including acute mental health services. An Insurance Fund will subsidise or pay insurance premiums for those who qualify for a subsidy.

Intensive work is currently underway with a view to publishing the White Paper on Universal Health Insurance, which will provide further detail on the UHI model for Ireland, as soon as possible.