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The government, through the Ministry of Health and
eight regional boards, provides health services in Ireland and funding
to non-profit agencies that provide health services. These non-profit
agencies include major hospitals and national church organizations, as
well as small, community-based support groups. The government finances
health care with tax revenue. There are also many private hospitals and
clinics in Ireland. Health examinations, appointments at child welfare clinics and tuberculosis treatment are available to everyone free of charge. Children throughout Ireland receive free hospital care until the age of 16. Other services are available for a fee. The size of the fee depends on the individual's income. People with little or no income receive most health care services free of charge. People in the middle-income group, such as insured workers, are entitled to free maternity and child welfare services and to some free hospital and specialist services. The better-off usually pay for private medical and hospital services. People who suffer from long-term health problems may qualify for state subsidies to cover the cost of medication. |
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Diseases of the circulatory system, such as heart disease,
are the leading causes of death in Ireland. They account for 42% of all deaths.
Many Irish people smoke and cancers of the respiratory system have almost
doubled in the last 30 years. The government recently established the National
Breast Screening Program in response to a dramatic increase in the incidence
of breast cancer. With this new program, women in the at-risk age group will
receive a mammogram every two years.
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