Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2026
250. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1017 of 20 January 2026, to provide an update on the strategic review of the eligibility framework; if phase 1 has been completed; if not, the timeline being worked towards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35632/26]
View answerExpanding Primary Care is at the heart of the Sláintecare vision. Notwithstanding the substantial progress made towards ‘Universal Health Coverage’ (UHC), the eligibility framework has not been subject to a holistic review since the publication of the Sláintecare report in 2017.
The Department recognises that, 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.
The Department has commenced a long-term strategic review of the eligibility framework, Phase 1 of which, includes a review of the existing eligibility arrangements for health services to see how they align with current population needs.
The work of the Strategic Review of the Eligibility Framework, Phase I is complete and the report is in the final drafting stage.
