Time to Transform Ireland’s Health Service

• €1bn Sláintecare Transition Fund for reform
• Universal Social Charge ringfenced for healthcare
• Four-point plan for better care, staffing, facilities, and technology

The Labour Party today launched its transformative plan for Ireland’s health service, putting people and patients at the heart of care.

Labour’s vision is a health service where everyone can access the treatment they need, when they need it. We aim to manage chronic disease, support people through treatment and recovery, and ensure healthcare staff are valued, working in modern facilities with technology that improves patient outcomes and efficiency.

To drive this transformation, Labour will establish a €1 billion Sláintecare Transition Fund to accelerate reform. The Universal Social Charge will be ringfenced as a health contribution, with future employment growth revenues directed to the new fund.

Labour’s four point plan:

1. Invest in Primary and Community Care

Labour will reduce pressure on overcrowded hospitals by expanding primary care and community services.

• Extend free GP care to all children under 18 (€70m).
• Tackle the public health nursing shortage by hiring for over 700 roles.
• Hire salaried GPs (50 a year) and expand GP training by 20 annually (€15m).
• Scale up e-health services and publish an updated plan for developing Primary Care Centres.

2. Value Healthcare Staff

Labour will implement a comprehensive workforce strategy to recruit and retain healthcare staff across all disciplines.

• Lift the recruitment embargo and guarantee jobs for all health graduates.
• Legislate for safe staffing levels and hire 2,000 nurses and midwives annually (€141m).
• Convert vacant HSE properties like Baggot Street Hospital into key worker housing (€26m capital).
• Address privatisation issues by improving pay and conditions in Section 39 organisations, bringing services into the HSE over time.

3. Build Enough Beds and Buildings

Labour will expand acute, step-down, and community nursing home capacity to tackle bed shortages.

• Deliver 300 acute hospital beds annually, totalling 5,000 during the next government (€310m).
• Build 100 community nursing home beds and 100 transitional/rehab beds annually (€150m).
• Allocate €40m for Midwest emergency care facilities and €35m for 20 new ICU beds a year.
• Modernise hospitals, build new elective and maternity facilities, and expand mental health and disability services.

4. Use Technology to Improve Outcomes

Labour will harness digital tools and new medical advances to improve patient care.

• Roll out digital health records with €500m from the Apple fund.
• Introduce AI tools for faster diagnostic analysis while retaining human oversight.
• Ensure access to modern drugs for public patients, piloting new EMA-approved treatments for oncology care.

Deputy Duncan Smith, Labour Health Spokesperson, said:

“Our health service is at a critical crossroads. Labour’s plan is ambitious but achievable, and for the first time, Ireland has the financial resources to make a real impact.

“We cannot afford to continue on the current trajectory of overcrowded hospitals, staff shortages, and underfunded community services. Labour’s four-point plan will rebuild capacity, and efficiency in our health service, support the healthcare workers and build a better healthcare system, together.”

Councillor Conor Sheehan on UHL Crisis:

Speaking about the challenges faced at University Hospital Limerick (UHL), Cllr Conor Sheehan said:

“UHL is chronically overcrowded and underfunded. It’s unsafe, with cancer services stretched to breaking point. Labour’s plan will address these issues by ensuring the hospital gets €45 million annually to hire more staff for additional beds as capacity is delivered.

“We will also prioritise building a Model 3 hospital in the Mid-West with an Emergency Department and expedite the HIQA review to determine its location. Community services in the region must be rebalanced to meet growing demand, including more public nursing homes and primary care investment.”

Cllr Martha Fanning on Tackling Loneliness:

Cllr Martha Fanning highlighted the growing issue of loneliness among older people:

“Far too many older people suffer from isolation, which has devastating effects on mental health and well-being. Labour will resource the Loneliness Taskforce, invest in social prescribing, and develop a national action plan to combat loneliness.

“We need to create opportunities for older people to participate in their communities and feel supported. This isn’t just about health—it’s about dignity and quality of life.”

A Health Service That Works for All

Labour’s plan for health is rooted in fairness, urgency, and a determination to fix the system for future generations. The time for action is now.

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