Liz O'Donnell
Ceist:62 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health when he plans to publish the proposed amendments to the VHI Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter [12135/95]
Written Answers - VHI Act Amendment.
Limerick East): The preparation of legislation to amend the Voluntary Health Insurance Act, 1957, is at an advanced stage. I am currently preparing a memorandum for Government seeking approval to draft the text of the legislation.
The proposed legislation follows the introduction of the Health Insurance Act, 1994, giving effect to the EU single market in health insurance, and also the possible implications of a Supreme Court judgment in an action taken by a private hospital against the VHI board. The proposed legislation will be designed to enhance the board's ability to compete effectively in the single market by amending certain of the provisions of the current legislation governing the board and its operations.