Sinn Féin claims universal healthcare could cost €30bn

The introduction of universal healthcare will take two government terms to implement and could cost €30 billion, Sinn Féin has said.

The party launched its health policy on Tuesday outlining its steps to ending of the ‘two-tier’ system.

Sinn Féin spokesman Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said the proposals could require an additional €30 billion over the next ten years.

Mr O’Caolain said the first five years would require €10.5 billion and it could reach be tripled.

He said: “That may well be the case. But we are talking about this happening over many, many years.”

The party said it would take two terms in government to dismantle two tier system and introduce universal health care.

Sinn Fein's finance spokesman Pearse Doherty said the money will come from the fiscal space and the funds already available to the Government.

The proposals include the abolition of prescription charges, emergency department charges and a move towards universal dental care.

There will be free GP care introduced on the basis of income rather than age.

Mr Ó Caoláin said the health service has no plan, no money and no vision.

He said: "We do so having had today's reality in our health services spelt out in clear and unequivocal terms by the director general of the Health Service Executive Tony O'Brien in an interview published at the weekend. The frustration, the exasperation of Tony O'Brien is clear in every sentence."

“The HSE, he told us, has been on ‘death row’ since the current Government took up office in 2011. And the headline summed it all up - there is ‘no plan’, there is ‘no money’ and there is ‘no vision for health’ where this and previous governments have been concerned.”

The party will propose patients will be transferred from hospitals which fail to manage waiting lists to those with better records.

Based on a Portuguese model, the new waiting list management system - called “Comhliosta” - will be backed by a €100 million fund, the party says.

Medical cards will be awarded on need. A family’s income will not be tested if the medical need of the patient is sufficient.

Other plans are a 20 per cent tax on sugary drinks, and free half-yearly dental visits which include scale and polish, fillings and gum cleaning.