More than one in two young people in Ireland have cited cost as preventing them from accessing healthcare, according to a new report.

The report says the availability of limited free healthcare in Ireland compared to other parts of the EU and the rising cost of health insurance is a significant barrier to young people accessing healthcare and is leading to unmet medical needs.

It says the current system is not working and needs to be replaced by a system that provides greater equity and access to healthcare for all.

The report, drawn up by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) and the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) says healthcare costs in Ireland are the fourth highest in Europe.

Marie-Claire McAleer of the NYCI said it was acknowledged that the current Government ewas examining the issue of greater access to healthcare, and the publication of the White Paper shortly on Universal Health insurance was awaited with interest.

The data in the report charts the changing social situation of young people aged 18 to 29 across the EU.

The report found that 18% of young people in Ireland experience serious deprivation.

This means they cannot afford to keep their house warm, buy meat or fish at least every second day and have to buy second hand, rather than new clothes.