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Minister Reilly speaking at the launch of Universal Health Insurance today

Health Minister James Reilly ,today published “The Path to Universal Healthcare: White Paper on Universal Health Insurance”.

The fundamental objective of the Government's health reform programme is to bring to an end the existing unfair, unequal and inefficient two tier health system and deliver a single-tier health service, supported by universal health insurance, where access is based on need, not ability to pay.

Speaking at the launch Minister Reilly said

"The publication of this White Paper is a key further step on the road to implementing Universal Health Insurance. It will lead to the most radical reform of our health services in decades and will result in a fairer, more effective health service. The publication will be followed by extensive consultation around the implementation of UHI and I would welcome the widest possible involvement by the public and by the stakeholders in ensuring that these major changes are put in place in the best possible way for the benefit of all our citizens."

Broad outline of contents of White Paper

The White Paper outlines the key elements of the new UHI system and how it will work. The areas covered include

• the model of UHI for Ireland, including the design of the new system,
• the process for determining the future basket of health services, including the package of services that will be covered under UHI, and
• the funding mechanisms for UHI.

The White Paper identifies those key building blocks, already underway, that will deliver efficiencies and pave the way for the introduction of UHI. Critically, the key steps on the road ahead for full implementation of UHI by 2019 are also set out.

The publication of the White Paper at this stage demonstrates the Government’s resolve to deliver on health reform commitments set out in the Programme for Government.