asked the Minister for Health the number of VHI subscribers for each year 1980 to 1988 (estimated) and for each scheme; the value of the VHI reserves and investment portfolio for each year; the cost to the Exchequer of VHI tax relief for each year; the precise percentage increase in subscriptions sanctioned for each scheme for each year 1980 to 1988 inclusive; the rate of inflation for each of these years; if he will make a statement on the recent proposals of the VHI to sanction increases in 1988 of 8 per cent for plans A, B and C and 15 per cent plus for plans D and E in the light of a net £10 million VHI loss for the year ended February, 1988; the total number of VHI beds in the system for each year 1980 to 1988 inclusive; and when he proposes to publish the Fox Report on the VHI.
Written Answers. - VHI Position.
227.
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. It is at present being obtained and I will communicate it to him as soon as possible.
The so called "Fox Report" is a confidential document, which as the Deputy will appreciate, contains information which would be of value to potential competitors of the board and it is not my intention to publish it. I have sent to the Deputy a copy of my recent press statement in relation to this report.