Coalition row brews over universal health insurance

A fresh coalition row is emerging over Health Minister Dr James Reilly’s universal health insurance plan, after a Labour minister said the policy is “not very detailed” and may need to be re-examined.

Junior minister at the Department of Health Kathleen Lynch made the claim amid ongoing coalition concerns about whether Universal Health Insurance (UHI) can be successfully implemented.

Speaking to radio station Newstalk, the Labour TD and mental health minister rejected claims she and her party colleagues are being kept in the dark on the policy — which is central to Dr Reilly’s health service reform plans.