The setting of premium charges is the responsibility of the VHI board. The legislation requires the board to set premiums at a level sufficient to cover costs and make such allowance for reserves as it thinks proper. The board is, however, obliged to notify the Minister in advance of putting its increases into effect and the Minister may prevent the introduction of an increase. Since 1 July 1997, the following premium increases were implemented by the VHI board in accordance with the statutory provisions and, as requested by the Deputy, a unit cost of €100 is assumed at that date.