Government suspends introduction of Universal Health Insurance

The government says its putting off the introduction of its Universal Health Insurance for the time being.

Health Minister Leo Varadkar tonight admitted the high costs of the proposed model are not acceptable, either now or any time in the future.

It follows a number of ESRI reports to government warning of the high cost associated with universal health insurance.

“Reform in the past was rushed and as a result serious mistakes made such as at the time of the establishment of the HSE in 2005.

"When these reforms are complete, we intend to revisit the precise model of universal health insurance, and will compare the pros and cons of a number of funding options.

"The decision on which model to adopt will be made by the next Government and implemented in the term of the Government after that," said Minister Varadkar.