Plan for health insurance is affordable, says Kenny

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has insisted Ireland can afford Universal Health Insurance (UHI) and it will be delivered during the lifetime of the Government despite disagreement among ministers as to how the scheme will work.

UHI is a potential flashpoint among the Coalition partners after the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform claimed that Health Minister James Reilly’s proposals would threaten the financial viability of the State.

It also suggested that Mr Reilly’s proposals would cost over €1,600 per adult.