Vol. 398 No. 1
41 Mr. T. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of subscribers to plan P in the VHI in each year since the introduction of the plan; the net income to the VHI from the plan; if he considers that the plan has been effective; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The number of subscribers to plan P was 110,050 for year ending February 1988, 106,370 for the year ending February 1989 and 98,281 for year ending February 1990. As the Deputy is aware, plan P was introduced by the VHI at my request to cover the £10 in-patient and £10 out-patient public hospital charges. The plan which was in specific response to a clearly identifiable need provides, at a very modest rate, cover for the £10 charges for those who require it and does not generate any net income for the board.
In that it has achieved the purpose it was set up to achieve in an efficient manner, plan P may be regarded as being effective.
