Róisín Shortall: A chance for a new deal on health

Our health service perpetuates inequality, offers poor social security - and is costly

We have a chance to make huge changes in our health system Pic: iStock

The two-tier nature of the Irish health service may be unique among developed European countries. On the one hand, we have 38 per cent of the population reliant on public care with patients on long waiting lists. On the other hand, we have 46 per cent of the population paying thousands of euro in health insurance in what, in effect, amounts to very significant additional taxation.

This kind of health regime is virtually ...