Current policy issues in the Irish Health Services.

The article provides a general outline of current policy issues in the Irish health services. Referring to a demographic and epidemiological background and taking into account the recent trends in health expenditure, the author deals with six main issues: selection and clarification of objectives, funding, resource allocation, organisation, managing for change, the public/private mix. Comparing Ireland to other European countries, the author concludes that, because of limited resources, Ireland must be clearer and cleverer. The meeting of the expectations of the population will continue to provide a stirring challenge.