A gloomy report about the performance of Ireland's healthcare has confirmed the existence of an apartheid-like system, the Labour Party's spokeswoman on health said.
The health service ranks nearly last among health services of the world's wealthiest countries, landing 21st out of 22, according to a new study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
Ms Liz McManus, Labour Party spokeswoman on health
The study also found that the shortage of medical cards and the growing number of people with private health insurance is threatening the Department of Health's goal of "quality and fairness," particularly in the area of equitable access.
"This study provides further evidence of the apartheid and the two-tier structure which exists in the Irish healthcare system," said Ms Liz McManus.
"Despite all the promises from the Government, Ireland is down at the bottom of the league in providing quality healthcare on the basis of need and that people on low incomes cannot afford to seek primary healthcare," said Ms McManus.
The study finds that Ireland has the joint lowest spend on healthcare in the OECD as a proportion of GDP.
"This is quite a shocking indictment of Government policy. I will be seeking a response from the Minister for Health Mary Harney in the Dáil.
"With so much wealth, the Government has squandered the opportunity to deliver quality, accessible and affordable healthcare. We now have further proof that this is the case," Ms McManus added.
In the study, 22 OECD countries were ranked based on various health-related factors. Ireland scored 14th in the category of health status indicators, including life expectancy for men and women, infant mortality and low birth weights.
Ireland's health service also scored poorly in non-medical factors, where it ranks 21st, and health outcome indicators, ranking 16th.
Non-medical factors relate to issues such as tobacco consumption, alcohol consumption, road traffic accidents, sulphur oxide emissions and immunisation rates.
Health outcome indicators primarily measure mortality rates for men and women with cancer, heart attack and strokes. The overall ranking of 21st puts Ireland ahead only of the United States.
The study also found that people who fall below the income threshold for medical cards are much more likely to visit the doctor than people above the threshold. This reflects the gap between those with medical cards entitling them to free GP care and those who have to pay, according to the study.
The research also confirmed growing concern that the growing numbers of people with private health insurance is creating a "two-tier" system in the Irish healthcare system.
"Much of private hospital care is delivered in public hospitals. This gives rise to concerns about a "two-tier" system and about undesirable incentives for medical consultants and hospital managers
"These concerns have been exacerbated by the rapid rise in numbers insured. About half the population now has private health insurance. In this regard Ireland is unique compared with other EU countries, and it fundamentally changes the political context for structural reform," the report said.