A Labour party minister has said the government's plans for universal health insurance can only come "at the right price".

Social Protection minister Joan Burton says the scheme should not be introduced if it ends up costing as much as it does in other states.

Her comments follow newspaper reports of concerns among civil servants that the 'Dutch model' of health insurance supported by Fine Gael could cost the state an extra 5 billion euro a year.

Minister Burton says the government remains committed to the idea - but cannot write a blank cheque for it:

Meanwhile, the Minister for Health has insisted that plans for universal health insurance won't threaten the viability of the state.

James Reilly's comments come after newspaper reports that civil servants believe the scheme could cost up to 5 billion Euro a year.

Our political correspondent Gavan Reilly reports.

political correspondent Gavan Reilly reports.