What is Healthcare in the Republic of Ireland?
'''Healthcare in the Republic of Ireland''' is managed by the [[Health Service Executive]], under the '''Department of Health''' (Irish: ''An Roinn Sláinte''). Everyone [[ordinarily resident]] in Ireland and some visitors are entitled to public health services either free of charge or at a reduced cost. To get all free services you have to have a [[medical card]]. Services for children are free for everyone. Maternity and infant care services are free for everyone who is [[ordinarily resident]]. People on the [[Long Term Illness Scheme]] can get the drugs and medicines for the treatment of their illness free.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Citizensinformation.ie|title=Entitlement to health services|url=https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/health/health_system/entitlement_to_public_health_services.html|access-date=2023-03-15|website=www.citizensinformation.ie|language=en}}</ref> In 2023 Irish budget an extra €23.4 billion was given to health. This gave more people a [[Medical card|GP visit card]] and stopped hospital charges.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ministers for Health announce investment of €23.4 billion in Ireland’s Health and Social Care Services|url=https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/6e1f6-ministers-for-health-announce-investment-of-23-4-billion-in-irelands-health-and-social-care-services/|access-date=2023-03-15|website=www.gov.ie|language=en}}</ref> == Hospitals == In 2013 the public hospitals were formed into six hospital groups: * Dublin North East; * Dublin Midlands; * Dublin East; * South/South West; * West/North West; * Midwest;<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gantly|first=Dara|date=2013-05-14|title=Six hospital groups 'most fundamental reform in decades'|url=https://www.imt.ie/news/six-hospital-groups-most-fundamental-reform-in-decades-14-05-2013/|access-date=2023-03-14|website=Irish Medical Times|language=en}}</ref> == Primary care == In 2023 there was a serious shortage of [[Dentistry|dentists]] in Ireland. Children were said to be waiting to wait up to 10 years for a dental check. Only 620 dentists were in the