asked the Minister for Health whether he has satisfied himself with the Voluntary Health Insurance Board; and the plans, if any, he has for the future development of the board; if he plans to introduce legislation to cover the Voluntary Health Insurance Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Voluntary Health Insurance Board.
35.
The Voluntary Health Insurance Board has made a valuable and significant contribution to the development of health services in Ireland. However, I am satisfied that there are areas where the VHI could and should be making a greater contribution. There is a clear need of a comprehensive scheme covering general medical practitioner and outpatient expenses. Again, there is an obvious need for insurance cover for dental, ophthalmic and aural services, particularly for population groupings not covered by Department of Social Welfare and other State schemes. I also think that geriatric care is an area which should be addressed more positively by the board.
The VHI has an obligation to provide adequate insurance cover for services and population groupings not covered by State schemes, such as in the areas I have mentioned. To facilitate and encourage this process I intend to sponsor a Bill amending the Voluntary Health Insurance Act, 1957, and will seek Government approval for my proposals in the near future.