James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am quite happy what we are doing gives us some measure of health status. I am not happy it gives us the full measure but it gives us some measure. We have discussed this issue with the insurers and we continue to examine further measures we can agree between us.

I wish to share some good news with the committee. As all private patients will pay for their services from 1 January, it has been possible to reduce the level of charges for private patients for day case surgery. The day case charge has been reduced by 50% from €828 to €407.

I accept we need greater measurements of health status and a raft of measures need to be taken in health. We are taking it one step at a time. We are committed to universal health insurance and we will get there. We are building the building blocks. I could take up another 20 minutes going through what has been done already but I will be directed by the Chairman to stick to the Bill-----