Citation
Barnardos. (2009). Barnardos’ Submission to the Expert Group on Resource Allocation and Financing in the Health Sector. https://knowledge.barnardos.ie/handle/20.500.13085/664
Abstract
Numerous commentators have observed the dire state of Ireland’s health sector and the
inequality which continues to underpin services in the State. Barnardos agrees with the
Taoiseach’s description of our health system as ‘beleagured’ and concurs with the health
economist and author Maev Ann Wren when she says:
Irish people die younger because they tolerate an inequality between them that breeds ill
health, and they accept a health care system which implicitly places lesser value on the
lives of those with lesser means.1
Ireland has evolved a health care system which is at odds with the European norm in
that access to primary care (GP visits and some community based services) is decided
on income. Those who can afford to pay for private health insurance have access to
timely and higher quality services while access to services in the public health system is
plagued by long delays for referrals and treatment. There are particular concerns over
the lengthy delays in crucial services for children and young people such as speech &
language therapy, occupational therapy and access to community mental health
services.