Vol. 453 No. 5
66 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health the expected rate of increase in VHI premiums following the agreement between the VHI and the Independent Hospital Association of Ireland; the provisions, if any, he feels should be put in place following the one-year agreement reached on 17 May between the VHI and the IHAI; the progress, if any, that has been made regarding legislation to reorganise the VHI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9520/95]
Limerick East): I have not received any indication from the VHI of a price increase this year. In regard to future arrangements between the VHI and the Independent Hospital Association of Ireland the position is that such agreements are a negotiating matter for both parties and, as Minister for Health I am not involved.
Legislation is being prepared to amend the Voluntary Health Insurance Act, 1957. The proposed legislation will be designed to enhance the board's ability to compete effectively in the single market and maintain a cost effective structure in its operations. I will introduce the legislation later this year.
