Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 25 May 1995

Vol. 453 No. 5

Written Answers. - Voluntary Health Insurance.

Brian Cowen

Ceist:

32 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Health if he will seek Government approval to amend the legislation covering the disbursement of national lottery proceeds in order to subsidise VHI insurance given that the board has already stated publicly the necessity for a substantial increase in premia which will prove prohibitive to a large section of the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9180/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick-East): It is not appropriate that national lottery moneys should be made available to subsidise private health insurance which covers only a portion of the general population. The Deputy is aware that VHI is already subsidised by way of tax relief on premiums.