A new report by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) says that longstanding issues remain in the health service, like capacity and resourcing deficits, long waiting lists and overcrowding.
The 'Healthcare Overview Report 2020' found that while hospitals adapted swiftly to cope with Covid-19 last year, these efforts were hindered by longstanding problems.
It said there was also poor infrastructure and physical environment, as well as an overreliance on a hospital-centric model of care.
The health watchdog said there is a strategic need for the State to have a well-functioning, resilient and adequately funded health service.