Síle de Valera
Ceist:30 Miss de Valera asked the Minister for Health when he proposes to sign into law the new health regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15492/95]
Written Answers. - New Health Regulations.
Limerick East): I take the Deputy's reference to the new health regulations to mean the regulations to be made pursuant to the Health Insurance Act, 1994. This extensive and complex combination of regulations will provide for the registration of health insurance undertakings, open enrolment, lifetime cover, minimum benefits and risk equalisation.
Because of their technical and wide ranging nature my Department, in March last, circulated the regulations in draft form to interested parties, of whom there are many, and furthered the consultative process by meeting those bodies which wished to discuss the regulations. This comprehensive process has been completed and the issues raised are being considered in the context of the finalisation of the proposed regulations. Furthermore, as the regulatory arrangements are being introduced as a consequence of the implementation of the EU's Third Non-Life Insurance Directive, my Department is in contact with the European Commission in relation to the regulatory framework including the enhancement of psychiatric cover under the minimum benefit regulations.
While I cannot give a specific date on which the regulations will be ready to be signed by me, I can state that a great proportion of the preparatory work has been completed and I am anxious to sign them at the earliest possible date.