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Universal Health Insurance Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012

Tuesday, 18 September 2012

Ceisteanna (1588)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

1588. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health in the context of his plans for universal health insurance, his plans for the VHI; if it will be broken up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37128/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled in September 2011 that the VHI can no longer enjoy a derogation from the requirement to be authorised by the Central Bank. Having given consideration to this judgement, the Government decided on 6 December 2011 that the Minister should proceed with all necessary steps to bring the VHI to the point of authorisation, including proceeding with a formal application for this purpose.

My Department and the VHI continue to meet regularly to progress issues relating to VHI's authorisation application and my Department has also met with the Central Bank, to review requirements for authorisation pending final Government decisions in this area.

When all necessary elements for authorisation are in place, the Government will consider whether to provide the necessary capital to the VHI to bring its reserves to the solvency levels required for authorisation. The Government also agreed that alternatives to authorising VHI should also be explored during the preparation of an application for authorisation. where access is based on need, not income. The Programme for Government commits to retain the VHI in public ownership to offer a public option under that system. The structure of the private health insurance market, including the VHI, will be fully considered in the context of the introduction of UHI.

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