Time to fix our broken health system
- Labour commits to over €1.1bn in new health spending
- Major investments in community and primary care, and mental health care
- Workforce planning strategy to value healthcare workers
Labour’s Health Spokesperson, Duncan Smith TD, speaking in advance of the launch of the Labour Party’s Alternative Budget for 2025, with a comprehensive plan to fix Ireland’s struggling healthcare system.
Deputy Smith said:
“Nowhere has the Government’s failure to increase funding in line with inflation been more obvious than in our health service. The shortfall left a gaping hole in the health budget, and only at the last minute did we see a panic response with a €1.5 billion increase for 2024 and a further €1.2 billion for 2025. This isn’t planning; it’s crisis management. What we need is much stronger forecasting and transparency over health spending so that the system can function effectively and sustainably. We would also commit €1bn of the Apple Tax windfall to a Sláintecare Transition Fund that would be initially focused on rolling out digital health records in the new regional health areas.
“This is our opportunity to finally deliver a single-tier health system. As Labour has outlined in recent years, we would roll out an Irish National Health Service, starting with major investments in community and primary care, disability, and mental health services. This is critical to take the pressure off our acute hospitals and build a system that actually works for patients.
“Labour’s Alternative Budget sets out a detailed and practical plan to address three key areas:
- Valuing Healthcare Staff: Our health service will only succeed if we have enough trained staff in every discipline. Labour’s plan includes a comprehensive workforce planning strategy to ensure we have the numbers needed but also that we retain those we already have. We must recognise their concerns and value their contribution by addressing core issues like staff safety and providing key worker housing, so no healthcare worker is priced out of living in the community they serve.
- Digital Health Records: If we are serious about improving productivity, then digital health records must be a priority. Quick and seamless access to medical records across the system will not only speed up treatments but also improve access to follow-up care. It’s about delivering faster, safer, and more efficient healthcare for patients.
- Enough Beds and Buildings: Ireland’s health infrastructure is struggling to meet demand, and that has to change. Labour would significantly increase the capital budget over the coming years to build four elective hospitals, a new national maternity hospital, and ensure we have enough community and long-term care facilities. We would also upgrade and climate-proof existing hospitals, so they can better serve our communities in the decades to come.
“Labour’s Alternative Budget for 2025 commits over €1.1 billion of new current spending to health and disability services, with an additional €600 million in capital investment. This is a plan to secure a better future for Ireland’s health service and ensure that every person has access to the care they need.
“We in Labour believe that a healthcare system that works means being able to access care when you need it—not after months and years on a waiting list. Our health system can be built better, together. With our Health Plan, we can finally deliver the single-tier service that has been promised for years, and create a healthcare system fit for the future.”
ENDS
Key Initiatives include:
- €141m to support the hiring of 2,000 nurses and midwives in 2025.
- €70.4m for the rollout of free GP care to all children
- €170m for new measures under the Disability Services Action Plan.
- €80m for new mental health measures focused on CAMHS waiting lists, and perinatal mental health.
- Funding for 300 new acute hospital beds, 200 step down and rehabilitation beds, and 20 new ICU beds.
- A commitment to fund UHL to the national average of a Model 4 hospital, and funding for the opening of new ED and upgrading of an existing hospital in the MidWest to a Model 3 hospital.