Healthcare in the Republic of Ireland

Health care in Ireland is delivered through public and private healthcare. The public health care system is governed by the Health Act 2004, which established a new body to be responsible for providing health and personal social services to everyone living in Ireland – the Health Service Executive. The new national health service came into being officially on 1 January 2005; however the new structures are currently in the process of being established as the reform programme continues. In addition to the public-sector, there is also a large private healthcare market.

In 2019 Ireland spent €3,513 per capita on health, close to the European Union average, of this spending approximately 79% was government expenditure. In 2017 spending was the seventh highest in the OECD: $5,500 per head.

Overcrowding has been an issue at hospitals in Ireland, with over 118,000 patients having to wait for a bed in 2019.