John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
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864. To ask the Minister for Health the implications for the PRSI system from the introduction of universal health insurance; if citizens will continue to pay PRSI in the same fashion when UHI is introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19334/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Responsibility for the PRSI system resides, in the first instance, with my colleague, Deputy Joan Burton, Minister for Social Protection. The White Paper on UHI does not propose any changes to the PRSI system. The Government has embarked on 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, where access is based on need, not income. The White Paper on Universal Health Insurance provides detailed information on the UHI model for Ireland, the process for determining the future basket of health services, including those services that will be covered under UHI and the financing mechanisms for UHI.

Moving to UHI will involve a radical change to the way in which we organise and finance our health system. Under UHI, the State will continue to fund large parts of the health system from general taxation. However, services provided under the UHI standard package will be funded by premiums paid by the citizens to their insurer of choice. Citizens who qualify will receive a full or partial subsidy towards the cost of their premium.