Pringle: Government inaction, policy is keeping Ireland from having universal healthcare

By Thomas Pringle
Updated: 16th May 2024

Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, said Government inaction and policy is keeping Ireland from having a universal, single-tier health service.

Addressing the Dáil on Wednesday, Deputy Pringle said: “The healthcare system in this country is on its knees and needs a complete overhaul if we are serious about delivering universal healthcare.

“Waiting lists are constantly breaking record highs and access to sufficient healthcare is becoming increasingly difficult. Last month, Letterkenny University Hospital broke yet another record of the highest-ever waiting list for beds, with 594 patients admitted to hospital without a bed, the highest number ever recorded at Letterkenny hospital for the month of April.

“The health service in Donegal and throughout the country is under severe pressure and this is having a detrimental impact on patients and their families, as well as staff. The system is broken and unfortunately I don’t think this government has the energy or the ambition to fix it,” he said.

The deputy was speaking during Statements on Delivering Universal Healthcare.

Deputy Pringle said: “I don’t see why it is such a radical idea to suggest that everyone in this country should have access to treatment when and as needed. We should be prioritising the urgency of care required and not people’s ability to pay.

“Unfortunately, many inequalities exist in this country, but the two-tier health system in Ireland is an absolute disgrace and one of the most shameful examples of inequality in our society. It is deeply unfair that the only people who have a choice are those with the means to afford private healthcare.

“Discussions of the creation of a fully functioning public healthcare system are all well and good, but this government has to start taking action on it.

“I have given many practical solutions over the years that have unfortunately not been taken up, but I will continue to raise them, because unlike this government and its Health Minister, I will not give up on the idea of a universal healthcare system that ensures our citizens are treated well and treated equally.

“I have frequently mentioned the possibility of collaborating with Cuba to send doctors to Ireland to relieve current pressures on the health service. This is a solution that has been adopted by many countries and that Cuban officials have expressed an interest in, yet somehow it isn’t even being considered by the Irish government and I am still waiting to hear a plausible reason why. The Minister for Health just frankly ignores it.

“This shows that the government has continuously ignored suggestions from the opposition. It is as if they have no interest in rebuilding the health service or ensuring universal healthcare.

“The truth is that the government is actively stripping away universal healthcare, with many treatments and services only geared towards those who can afford to pay significantly for it.

“When implemented correctly, universal healthcare benefits everyone in society. We all benefit from a healthy society and we also benefit economically when people’s healthcare issues are addressed straight away and not left to deteriorate further.

“Every other European country has a universal, single-tier health service. There is no reason why Ireland can’t have this, too. And there is no reason why our citizens should continue to suffer under Ireland’s current, broken system, except that it’s Government inaction and Government policy to make sure that that happens,” he said.