Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand the point the Deputies are making, namely, that it may seem odd to describe these as contributions in arrears or back contributions when one cannot claim the benefits in arrears, but I see health insurance a bit like a pension. Someone who has health insurance at the age of 60 years gets the full benefits.

One can commence health insurance at 55 years, draw down the benefits if one gets ill at the age of 60 yet still get the same benefits as somebody who has paid into the scheme since he or she was 25 years of age. That is quite unfair and undermines the health insurance system and health insurance. The whole idea is that people should pay in, generally speaking, when they are young and healthy so that we can all get the benefits as we get older and unwell. I see it a bit like pensions. Nobody would expect to start paying into a pension at 55 years and get the same pension benefit when they retire at 65 years as someone who has paid in for 40 years. That is the way I see it but I understand the point that has been made. The scheme is provided for in regulations. Therefore, an amendment would not be to the primary legislation but to the regulations.