Vol. 471 No. 2
21 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to amend the VHI legislation to provide for the establishment of a statutory users' council in view of a recent conflict between the company and the ad hoc council. [20451/96]
Limerick East): I refer to the arrangements which exist to serve the interests of VHI members.
The Voluntary Health Insurance Board is a member of the insurance ombudsman of Ireland scheme. Accordingly, the insurance ombudsman is available to VHI subscribers where complaints, disputes or claims are made in connection with or arising out of policies of insurance effected or proposed to be effected with members of the scheme. The insurance ombudsman, who is an independent expert, is able to assist by conciliating between the insured person and the insurance undertaking and by adjudicating on the matter in dispute.
In December last, the board of VHI established a members' advisory council to provide a forum and conduit for the views of members. The council has been proceeding with its work since its first meeting on 19 January, 1996.
There have been recent media reports relating to a difference that had arisen between the board and the council. I understand the two bodies met recently and identified a number of issues which will be addressed by both parties in the immediate future. The VHI members' advisory council continues to operate as a body representing the views of VHI members. It is for the members of the advisory council to assess and determine whether they can operate effectively on behalf of VHI members.
I have already made clear to the House that I am prepared to bring proposals to Government for the establishment of a statutory body should existing arrangements to serve the interests of VHI members, as consumers, prove inadequate. As regards the members' advisory council, I said at the time of the passage of the VHI (Amendment) Bill, 1995, through the House that I would see how things developed in 1996. In that connection, I will be requesting the VHI board to furnish me with a report in early 1997 on the operation of the council and its position or actions in relation to the views which the council has made known so far. It does not arise, at this time, that I should amend VHI legislation to provide for the establishment of a statutory users' council.
