Vol. 486 No. 1
570 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the shortage of nursing homes for convalescence which are approved by the VHI; the proposals, if any, he has to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1554/98]
The position is that the approval of cover for particular health care facilities by the VHI is an operational matter for the board to decide. As an insurer, it must make its own evaluation of what facilities it is in a position to cover on behalf of its members. It is not appropriate for me to be involved in the making of commercial arrangements by the board with health care providers, particularly in view of my regulatory role in private health insurance.
