The State probably has the worst health service in Europe because "we do not have a strategy, vision or leadership," the Dail was told. Mr Gay Mitchell (FG, Dublin South-Central) said "nor do we have the courage or sense of justice needed to completely overhaul the system".
There was apartheid in the health system, which was "appalling". If people can afford to pay, they can be seen. Referring to cancer services and the admission of dying patients to hospital, Mr Mitchell said "if one has money one does not suffer. One can be admitted to hospital to die in peace, but if one does not have money, one is left at the mercy of the system".
He was speaking during a debate on the Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill which regulates private health insurance and allows for loadings on premiums for those who take out health insurance for the first time over the age of 35. The Minister of State for Health, Ms Mary Hanafin, said the arrangements represented a prudent, fair and balanced approach to a contentious and complex matter.
Most TDs, however, took the opportunity to comment on the health service in general. Mr Andrew Boylan (FG, Cavan-Monaghan) said "we are like a man putting four new tyres on a car when the engine is banjaxed and needs a complete overhaul. That is what the health service needs - it is like an old car that works on a stop-and-go basis. Health care is like a lottery in that one may be lucky when going to hospital and see a consultant or surgeon."
Labour's Health spokeswoman, Ms Liz McManus, said the Bill dealt with the regulation of private insurance "but it does not deal with the gross deficiencies that are increasingly evident to the public who receive healthcare and to professionals who deliver that care".