The government says it is putting off the introduction of its Universal Health Insurance for the time being.

Health Minister Leo Varadkar tonight admitted the high costs of the proposed model are not acceptable, either now or any time in the future.

It follows a number of ESRI reports to government warning of the high cost associated with universal health insurance.

However the government “remains committed to effective universal healthcare,” Mr Varadkar said.

“A system of Universal Health Insurance is still our preferred model to achieve universal healthcare,” he added.

The ESRI report warning of the high costs “vindicates the Government's decision not to rush the implementation of UHI,” Mr Varadkar said.

A “number of foundations” must be in place before the implementation of the UHI plan, Mr Vardakr said, including:

• sufficient capacity to satisfy unmet demand – in terms of specialists, critical care beds etc
• enhanced primary and social care
• reformed structures to replace the HSE with Hospital Groups and Trusts, Community Healthcare Organisations
• financial reforms

With an expectation of a five year implementation period, Mr Varadkar said he believes “The decision on which model to adopt will be made by the next Government and implemented in the term of the Government after that.”