Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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512. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the results of the state of health in the EU report; his views on its criticism of the two-tier model of care and the high hospitalisation rates for conditions that should normally be treated in primary care settings; his plans to address these issues through the full implementation of Sláintecare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54182/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The State of Health in the EU report was published at the end of November by the European Commission. The publishing of this particular report is timely as my Department are currently considering the recommendations of the Sláintecare report so as to provide a response and draft implementation plan to me by the end of the year.

I welcome the details provided in Ireland’s Country Health Profile which acknowledges that the health status of Irish people has improved and more rapidly than in many other EU countries. It also notes the progress we have made in reductions in smoking and alcohol consumption – leading causes of chronic disease in Ireland. It also lists details of our increasing life expectancy but notes that as our older population increases, prevalence of chronic disease among this age cohort will increase.

The State of Health in the EU report also highlights the fact that a significant proportion of the population have voluntary private health insurance. It further notes that this can give private patients access to diagnostics and hospital treatments in public hospitals faster that public patients. As the Deputy is aware, in line with Sláintecare recommendations, I have established an Independent Review Group to undertake an impact assessment of the removal of private practice in public hospitals.

Sláintecare also set out an ambitious vision for the future of healthcare in Ireland, including a shift to Primary and Community-based care. The State of Health in the EU report echoes this vision by stating that with strengthened Primary and Community-based services, unnecessary hospitalisations could be avoided. The report goes on to note that the absence of universal cover for Primary Care is a barrier to access for services. The re-orientation of our health services and the expansion of access to community-based services will be an important component of the response to Sláintecare.