A health economist says he does not believe Universal Health Insurance is workable within the timeframe set out by the government.

The White Paper on the policy is due to be published later this month. It is understood a number of changes were made to it at a Cabinet meeting yesterday.

The government says it wants the scheme to offer a standard basic policy for every citizen and be rolled out by 2019.

A consultation process on what people think should be in the standard plan has also been announced by government, who will consider the options.

Yesterday the government reiterated its commitment to the scheme, despite the row over its cost.

Professor Brian Turner of University College Cork says there are too many unanswered questions about what each standard policy will cover, and how much the scheme will cost.

He says 'real reform' of the health sector cannot be achieved by any one government.