Ireland
Throughout the second half of 2012 WHO/Europe, together with the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies has worked closely with the Department of Health in Ireland and local researchers to produce an analytical report, following a request from the Irish Government. Ireland has been particularly hard hit by the financial and economic crisis, and requested an objective opinion on the impact of the financial crisis on the health system, reflections on the effectiveness of the policy responses, and to make recommendations on future policy actions.