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

We may not always have a Minister who shares that position of incentivising people of all ages. There should not be a long-term penalty for a person because of circumstances. Very often, it may not be because a person does not want to take out private health insurance. It may be that a person cannot afford to take it out. Then when circumstances change people may want to lighten the burden on the public health system by providing cover for themselves but they are penalised.

I wish to return to the original point. I would say we are talking about an indefinite penalty but the Minister has called it a contribution. Either way, it will be indefinite as this legislation is presently worded. In view of the fact that this Government's primary objective is to have universal health insurance, I would like to know when will this legislation fall. Will we have a situation when universal health insurance is introduced that people, who are already in the system, will be penalised even further by virtue of the fact that they have taken out insurance? Will they incur a penalty or have to make a contribution? What will happen if somebody decides "Why bother as I am going to be forced to have compulsory health insurance at some stage in the future?" The legislation gives mixed messages. It is a broader political point but is relevant to this legislation.