Assessing the future fiscal sustainability of health spending in Ireland
This working paper uses a new method to assess the fiscal sustainability of the Irish
health system by considering the effects of population change and income growth on
both government revenue and health spending over time.
Spending on healthcare is comparatively high in Ireland, accounting for 8.4% of GNI
in 2019. Health spending from public sources is projected to account for 24% of government
revenues in 2040 (up from 20% in 2019). The fiscal balance is projected to slightly
deteriorate in Ireland by 2040. Population change is projected to be a much greater
driver of future health spending in Ireland over the next 20 years as compared to
the OECD average.
By coupling health spending projections with government revenue projections, our approach
provides policymakers with a broader set of whole-of-government policies to consider
when addressing financing shortfalls.
Available from September 21, 2023
In series:OECD Health Working Papersview more titles