asked the Minister for Health if he will consider amending the existing VHI legislation to allow the Voluntary Health Insurance Board to invest in or manage private hospitals.
Written Answers. - Amendment of VHI Legislation.
11.
The Voluntary Health Insurance Board was established in order to provide insurance cover against medical expenses for persons not entitled to State services. If the board were to involve itself in hospital development, either by investing in private hospitals or by managing private hospitals, this would represent a fundamental departure from its traditional role and could well result in even greater use of costly hospital resources.
I would not, therefore, favour amending the Voluntary Health Insurance Act, 1957, as suggested by the Deputy.