Vol. 443 No. 3
26 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health whether he has approved of changes in the operational structures of the VHI with respect to roles and functions of the Chairman and Chief Executive; if his attention has been drawn to any likely changes in these respective roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
59 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the operational changes in the VHI with particular reference to the roles and functions of the Chairman and the Chief Executive; if any changes are likely to impact on the consumer either by way of higher premium or in some other way; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 59 together.
I am concerned that VHI is appropriately structured to meet the challenges which will be posed by the forthcoming introduction throughout the European Union of the Single Market in health insurance. I have therefore appointed, in December 1993, a VHI Review Group, chaired by Prof. David Kennedy, whose terms of reference include the provision of recommendations to me on the management structure which might be appropriate to VHI in the future. I anticipate having the recommendations of the group before the end of June and I shall be discussing these with the board at that time. In the discussions I shall be concerned to satisfy myself that the future management arrangements within VHI will be appropriate to the new environment in which it will operate and continue to equip VHI to provide its members with comprehensive and cost effective health insurance.
