Digital healthcare in Ireland
Key figures
5,3M
inhabitants
6,1%
of healthcare expenditure in GDP in 2022
6
health regions
A healthcare system balanced between public and private services, with a focus on digital technology
Ireland's healthcare system comprises public and private health services.Public services, funded by the government and administered by the HSE ("Health Service Executive"), are provided by large hospitals and not-for-profit organizations. The private sector includes care delivered by liberal healthcare professionals or private structures. In 2022, around 47% of the population had private health insurance.
In 2024, Ireland had 86 hospitals, 78% of which were publicly funded, with a capacity of around 3 beds per 1,000 inhabitants. A reform of the HSE in March 2024 created six new health regions, each responsible for organizing healthcare within its territory.
Residents have access to a wide range of free or discounted public healthcare services. Patients in private hospitals must pay in advance or have their insurance cover them, with a co-payment depending on coverage.
Prioritizing digital technology to overhaul the healthcare system
In 2018, the Irish Department of Health launched the "Sláintecare" program with a strategy and action plan for 2021-2023, highlighting digital health as a key pillar. The review of this initiative is available online. The review of this initiative is available online.
In May 2024, a new strategy entitled "Digital for Care: A Digital Health Framework for Ireland (2024-2030)" was presented, replacing the 2013 strategy (national digital health strategy). This framework proposes a roadmap for investment in digital health, including electronic medical records.
The HSE has also drawn up its own roadmap for the digital transformation of health, highlighting priorities such as empowering patients, modernizing working conditions for healthcare professionals, investing in interconnected systems, optimizing the use of health data and supporting innovation.
How do you access the Irish market?
1. Contact IDA Ireland to set up your business
IDA Ireland helps international companies establish themselves in Ireland. The agency provides advice, helps connect with the right people, offers financial support and assists in the development of the relevant infrastructure.
IDA Ireland has a dedicated page for MedTech companies with specific resources for the digital health sector.
2. Register with the Companies Registration Office (CRO)
It is necessary to register with this agency, which allows you to obtain the legal status required to conduct business activities in Ireland.
3. Comply with Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) regulations
The Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) ensures the safety and quality of healthcare products on the Irish market. Compliance with standards, rules and norms is essential for market access.
4. Obtain CE marking and NSAI certification from the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI)
The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) issues certifications ensuring the quality and safety of goods and services produced and marketed in Ireland. All information on certifications in Ireland.
The CE mark is mandatory for medical devices and healthcare products marketed in the European Union. All information on CE marking on the NSAI website.
5. Submit product for medico-economic and clinical evaluation (HTA)
At present, no systematic health technology assessment (HTA) is carried out before a digital solution is reimbursed. However, HIQA carries out such assessments at the request of the Ministry of Health or the HSE, on an ad hoc and non-systematic basis.
As far as economic assessments are concerned, they are carried out by several players: the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE), the Ministry of Health and the HSE, as well as the health technology suppliers who prepare reimbursement applications.
Government authorities and platforms
They are the guarantors of smooth operation and cooperation in the healthcare system
.The associations
They bring companies together and facilitate their incubation
.Innovation support initiatives
They bring together and facilitate the incubation of new technologies
.Training
Universities and their groups train and support digital health innovations