Overview

The Irish economy contracted by 10.8% from 2008 to 2010 and the standardised unemployment rate increased dramatically from 4.8% in 2007 to 14.2% by January 2012. In response, austerity measures in the health sector aimed to contain costs and to target resources more effectively. Some of the policies also had the effect of shifting costs from the public purse to private households. Recruitment and salaries of health sector workers also have been targeted. The current government's plan to establish a universal health insurance system is a new direction for Ireland and one that will have gained appeal through the current economic hardship and the instability in the private insurance market.