Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

If I put everything together, the Chair might indulge me. I am concerned that those of us around this table have our heads in the sand, insurers and policymakers alike. The majority of people find it difficult to pay their health insurance. The Department of Health, the Minister and others claim that waiting times have been reduced, the special delivery unit, SDU, has achieved efficiencies, etc.

No one has discussed a major issue. If universal health insurance is to be introduced in the coming years and the Government will tell people that they are obliged to take out private health insurance based on their ability to pay, what incentive is there for a young person to take out private health insurance before then? People discuss reducing prices and this and that levy, but the fundamental issue is that the majority of people are finding it difficult to survive and pay basic bills. Health insurance is almost a luxury at this stage. It is becoming more expensive. Due to the policy decision to implement universal health insurance, those who can afford private health insurance will be obligated to do so whereas those who cannot will be subsidised by the State. I assume this is the form that universal health insurance will take.