Fianna Fáil will phase out alcohol sponsorship of sports games over five years and abolish plans to introduce Universal Health Insurance if it gets into Government.
The party debated health policies at its weekly parliamentary party meeting ahead of the official launch next week.
Health spokesman Billy Kelleher briefed colleagues on its proposals including a new 20 per cent sugar tax and advertising bans on food that contain high levels of fat, salt and sugar before 9pm.
The draft document, seen by The Irish Times, outlines the party’s opposition to the introduction of Universal Health Insurance.
It says the Fine Gael/Labour plans will force the State to surrender control and will remove services from certain areas in the country.
Mr Kelleher claims insurance companies will be in charge and small hospitals will be forced to close their doors.
The draft document, distributed to members, said Fianna Fáil wants a tax funded system to be maintained.
It reads: “It prioritises health care for the most vulnerable and those who cannot afford to pay towards their care. There will be one purchaser of care and that purchaser will therefore retain maximum control and influence in price and budget negotiations.”
Fianna Fáil will not abolish the Health Service Executive and will return control of the Budget back from the Department to the agency.
It is calling for a renegotiation of the GP contract and wants doctors to be taken on as “salaried employees” of the HSE.
The draft document proposes a “ring-fenced budget for reform” which it says will be in addition to the overall budget for the HSE.
It also says there should be an increase of €120 million in the primary care budget over a five-year term.
The party will call for the National Treatment Purchase Fund to be re-established and will convene a special task force whose aim will be to ensure all scheduled day case/in patient care will be delivered within six months.
All hospitals will be required to have 8am to 8pm consultation times and to enforce them.
The document calls for action on delayed discharges and said there should be a two-week maximum period before more appropriate accommodation is provided. Home help hours will be increased year on year to meet demand. The party says in relation to alcohol, the Government’s decision not to ban alcohol companies sponsorship in sport. It said Fianna Fail will commit to phasing this out over five years. Mr Kelleher said 20% tax on sugar drinks would generate €57.5 million.
Speaking to reporters, Mr Kelleher said the party had a detailed discussion at their meeting. He said there would be some adjustments before it is published next Tuesday. The document, which is still in draft form, does not include costings.
The party also discussed its plans on Housing at the meeting.
Fianna Fáil's Justice spokesman Niall Collins will unveil the party's proposals on how to tackle the drugs crisis on Thursday.
