The prospects for the Government’s ambitious and controversial plans to introduce universal health insurance (UHI) have taken a further blow on foot of a largely critical public response to the initiative.

External consultants have advised the Government that based on submissions received, many people feared UHI would cost them more money and could see them lose out on existing benefits provided under either the medical card scheme or their current private health insurance policies.

The ultimate decision on the fate of the scheme – which aimed to eliminate the public/private healthcare system – is likely to be taken after Easter when the results of a separate assessment of the costs becomes available.

The consultants’ report on public reaction to the proposals said that while there was broad support for the Government’s aim to reform the health service and introduce greater equity of access, many people were critical either of UHI in principle or of the particular model that has been put forward.

The Department of Health said Minister for Health Leo Varadkar would bring proposals to Cabinet regarding the next steps.

The introduction of UHI was backed by former minister for health James Reilly and Taoiseach Enda Kenny.