Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 3 December 2013

Committee on Health and Children: Select Sub-Committee on Health

Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2013: Committee Stage

5:55 pm

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to comment on Deputy Denis Naughten's proposal regarding the engagement of the HIA with particular groups such as older people. The HIA's website is somewhat confusing, even for those of us who are some way nimble on the computer. The HIA, to be fair, has engaged in a significant amount of promotion, but it would be a great idea for it to engage with elderly people who tend to be risk-averse, as the Minister said. A good marketing campaign might encourage them to shop around. We know what Mary Harney meant when she famously said people should shop around. It is important that we make it easy for people to do so. The insurers have their own vantage point, as is their entitlement, but we have a duty to look after the consumer also.

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