Vol. 513 No. 6
277 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the situation where health insurance companies have not developed packages which will adequately cover the cost of long-term care for the elderly; and the plans, if any, he has to have discussions with these companies on this matter. [3100/00]
The development and introduction of packages covering the cost of long-term care is a matter for insurance companies in the first instance. Insurers would, of course, have to comply with any requirements of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, which is the designated insurance supervisory authority for this country, in relation to the conduct of such business.
I note that the Deputy specifically refers to health insurance companies. In that connection, it should be borne in mind that long-term care insurance is generally regarded as appropriate to the classification of life insurance business, whereas private health insurance is classified as non-life insurance business. In addition, it is understood that the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs is to commission a consultancy report on the role of social insurance in funding long-term care.
Any proposals from insurance companies in regard to the conduct of long-term care insurance, which would bear on my areas of responsibility, will receive full consideration.
