Fine Gael To 'Go Dutch' On Health Service

Despite the current economic pressures, Fine Gael has launched a proposal to introduce a new health service based on the Dutch model.

The party Leader, Enda Kenny said he the proposals were borne from the party's Health Commission established in 2008, which was charged with finding "a radical and patient focused solution that will give us the Health service that we deserve within a five year time frame."

Mr Kenny said: "Fine Gael has looked in particular detail at the Dutch health system as a model for Ireland’s health service. The Netherlands spends only slightly more than us on health on a per capita basis, but has minimal waiting lists and is ranked number one in Europe for health."

Mr Kenny said that under the new proposals Ireland would move towards the Dutch system, where everyone has mandatory health insurance, either subsidised or fully financed by the State.

He added that in its first 30 days in Government, Fine Gael would implement the plan so the proven Dutch system of universal health care could be best adapted to Irish circumstances.

Fine Gael's spokesperson on Health, Dr. James Reilly said: "Over the last 10 years the health service has become a shambles. We regularly have over 350 people on trolleys in A&E, waiting lists that go on for months, outpatient waiting lists that go on for years and cancelled operations across the country."

The party has established a website www.faircare.ie outlining their plans, however a discussion on the proposals effect on costs is absent from the comprehensive plan.

(DW/BMcC)