Vol. 562 No. 6
51 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received a request from the board of VHI for part privatisation of it; the response he has made; the Government's plans for its future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6656/03]
The White Paper on Private Health Insurance 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. Corporate financial and legal advisers were engaged to examine the strategic options for the VHI and their report is under consideration.
The VHI board has indicated that, in principle, it favours being privatised. This has been noted in the context of the consideration to be given to its future. Ultimately, proposals by the Government for a change in the VHI's corporate status will require legislation and will therefore arise for consideration and discussion in the Houses of the Oireachtas.
