The Cabinet has approved a plan that will see an all-party committee set up to plan the future of the health service.

The motion was proposed by 89 opposition TDs and it is understood that Health Minister Simon Harris brought an amended version before this morning's meeting of ministers.

A motion to establish the committee is now likely to be brought before the Dáil next week.

It was already supported by a majority of TDs in the Dáil including - Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin.

It will then be asked to produce a report within six months, which will be used in devising a 10-year plan for the health service.