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

For the record of the meeting I will read what I have been given. I understand that amendment No. 7, in the name of Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, has been ruled out of order as it proposes that the commencement of the Act would be contingent on the publication and laying of a paper before the Houses of the Oireachtas on the financing of universal health insurance. This is in conflict with the principle of the Bill as read a Second Time and, therefore, must be ruled out of order in accordance with Standing Order 131(1).

I understand amendment No. 8, in the name of Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, provides that nothing in the Act shall authorise or permit an increase in premiums for customers consequent on the provisions of the Act. The rate charged for premiums are decided by the health insurers and are not within the powers of the Minister. The amendment is, therefore, outside the scope of the Bill and must be ruled out of order in accordance with Standing Order 131(1).

I was of the impression, Deputy, that this was furnished to you. I was told it was e-mailed to you today. That was the point I was making at the beginning. I was not trying to be in any way discourteous to you. In fact, I was trying to be courteous to you.