Universal health insurance model
Micheál Martin accuses the Government of abandoning its election promise to introduce the Dutch model of universal health insurance. The Taoiseach says universal health insurance remains the objective, although the original timetable and specific Dutch model have changed and costings are still being prepared.
The Taoiseach confirmed earlier that the Government told a major untruth before the last general election that it would introduce the Dutch model of universal health insurance, UHI. Papers were published, there were detailed documents and visits to Holland and the country was led to believe for a full year that this was the Holy Grail of health solutions and health policies. I was astonished earlier to hear the Taoiseach say that the Dutch model was not going to be implemented and that there would now be a different model and system. It is an extraordinary and breathtaking breach of a promise the Taoiseach made to the people. It transcends even Deputy Ruairí Quinn's promise about third level fees. The former Minister, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, said that is what tends to happen during election campaigns but I find this extraordinary. This is one of the Government's pillar policies. A white paper on UHI was published last year. The Taoiseach said that there would be a statement on what the cost of compulsory insurance will be. We are still waiting for the publication of the costings. When can we expect the publication of the costings which have been promised previously during Leaders' Questions? Will the Taoiseach be upfront with the people about the cost of this policy and what they will end up having to pay?
I am aware that the general scheme of the marriage Bill 2015 was published last March. Following the success of the marriage referendum, will the Taoiseach confirm when the Bill to allow same sex marriages to take place will be scheduled before the House? Will he confirm when the administrative details to allow marriages between gay couples to take places will be finalised?
Comment on this
The Minister for Justice and Equality has confirmed on behalf of Government that the intention is that the marriage equality Bill will be enacted before the summer recess, so it will move through the House very quickly.
The Government is not resiling from or reneging on its intention to introduce universal health insurance. Universal health insurance is the objective of the Government but the original target is delayed.
Comment on this
The Minister has quite some work to do in respect of the cost.
Let me confirm for the Deputy again, in case he cannot hear me, that the Government is not reneging on the commitment to introduce universal health insurance. It will be the universal health insurance system that will apply in this country, not as applied in the Netherlands.