Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2025
839. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the status of her Department’s strategic review of eligibility; the progress made to date; if this review of the eligibility framework will be completed this year, as stated in ‘Path to Universal Healthcare: Sláintecare and the Programme for Government 2025+; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57250/25]
View answerOver the last 3 years, there has been a significant focus on improving access to, and the affordability of, healthcare services. Significant progress has been made in expanding eligibility and reducing the cost to patients. A range of affordability measures have been introduced such as a reduction in the monthly deductible for prescribed medicines, removal of public inpatient charges, a free contraceptive scheme and an expansion of free access to GP care via the GP Visit Card.
The Department recognises that, in order to achieve the goal of universal healthcare in line with the commitments made in Sláintecare, we must first review existing eligibility arrangements and see how they align with current population needs identifying gaps in the eligibility framework.
It is in this context that the Department has commenced a long-term project to review Ireland’s current eligibility policies, with a focus on services delivered at primary and community care level. The initial phase of this work, a strategic review of the current eligibility framework, is in progress and is due to be completed in the months ahead. This work will input into the next phase of the strategic project which will examine the findings of phase 1 and international evidence on healthcare charges. This will then inform the development of evidence-based policy options for a future eligibility framework to support a progressive move towards universal healthcare.
