Donnelly: Up to five years of public health reforms before private insurance not needed

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly: 'We have a very clear plan on how to get there, it’s about implementation.' Picture: Moya Nolan

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has predicted it will take three to five years to reform public health services sufficiently to negate the need for private health insurance.

Sweeping reforms are planned in the coming years to make healthcare free based on need. However, with almost half the population relying on insurance to avoid waiting lists, according to the ESRI, there is a long way to go.