Updated 10.45

The Public Expenditure Minister says that universal health insurance remains an objective for the government.

The Cabinet is expected to be told today that former Health Minister James Reilly's proposed scheme would have cost €650 million a year. Nearly half the population would pay premiums of over €2,000 a year, without a subsidy.

The Irish Times reports current Health Minister Leo Varadkar will bring a memo to cabinet saying research shows the benefits would not outweigh the expenditure.

Minister Brendan Howlin says that universal health insurance has to be done in an affordable way for the taxpayer:

"I always thought that it was invidious that you had two different streams of health, depending on the insurance cover that could afford to pay for."
"Obviously, in implementing that policy, which is a desirable policy, remains the objective of government, it has to be done in a way that is both affordable for the taxpayer, and improve the outcome."

Minister Varadkar is expected to ask for more research to be done and to urge the Government not to make a decision until late in a second term, if re-elected.

IBRC Inquiry

Meanwhile, the Cabinet will also consider the interim report from Judge Brian Cregan investigating transactions at the IBRC.

But Ministers are unlikely to make decisions on how to deal with the issues of confidentiality and legal privilege.

An interim report into the taping of phonecalls in garda stations will also be viewed by Ministers.

Judge Brian Cregan sent his interim report to the Taoiseach last Friday and Enda Kenny will bring it to Cabinet this morning.

That report is likely to be published in the coming days.

The government will also look at an interim report from the Fennelly Commission, received last Thursday.

This surrounds the taping of phonecalls in and out of garda stations.