Harney rejects universal healthcare proposals on economic grounds

HEALTH Minister Mary Harney shot down proposals for a universal health system warning that giving an unlimited number of procedures to an unlimited number of patients would bankrupt a hospital or government.

Opposition parties supported plans by the Adelaide and Meath Hospital Society for a one-tier health system funded by universal premiums rather than through general taxation.

A key part of the ring-fenced funding would come from €2.2 billion in “sin” taxes, coming out of excise charged on tobacco and alcohol – a plan backed by Labour.