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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 6

Written Answers. - Voluntary Health Insurance Board.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

71 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received a request from the board of VHI for part privatisation of the company; the response he has made; the Government's plans for the future of VHI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22921/02]

The White Paper on Private Health Insurance set out the Government's proposals regarding the corporate status of the Voluntary Health Insurance Board. This provided for the establishment of the VHI as a company under the Companies Acts, with full commercial freedom of operation, in the ownership of the Minister for Finance. The possibility of third party investment and eventual full sale of the State's interest in VHI, if deemed desirable by the Government, were also addressed in the White Paper.

Further to the White Paper, corporate financial and legal advisers were engaged to examine the strategic options for the VHI and they have reported. The advice provided by the consultants are currently under consideration in my Department. The VHI board is in favour of it being privatised and this has been noted in the context of the consideration to be given to VHI's future. Ultimately, proposals by the Government for a change in VHI's corporate status will require legislation and will, therefore, arise for consideration and discussion in the Houses of the Oireachtas.

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