Vol. 540 No. 1
254 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health and Children his proposals regarding the risk equalisation proposals which are to be introduced into the health insurance industry; when he plans to make the necessary ministerial order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19635/01]
269 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received an application for approval for risk equalisation by VHI; his views on this matter; and when he intends making a decision in this regard. [19833/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 254 and 269 together.
Representations concerning the necessity for immediate recourse to risk equalisation in our community rated voluntary health insurance market have been received from VHI. I consider it appropriate to state that contrary representations have also been received from BUPA Ireland. These representations were made in the context of the passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas of the Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill, 2000.
I, as my record on the passage of the Bill shows, recognise the need to provide for effective risk equalisation in a voluntary health insurance system operated on the principles of community rating and open enrolment. The debate on the Bill, at a number of stages, included consideration of amendments which, in my view, would have significantly impinged upon arrangements for risk equalisation and I was not willing to accept such amendments.
As the Bill completed its passage on 20 June, it is intended that the related regulations for a risk equalisation scheme will be brought before the Houses of the Oireachtas for affirmation as soon as possible. I hope to be in a position to do this during the autumn.
