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

Mr. Downey was a member of the board and has a deep knowledge of the workings of the organisation. It is important that the chairman has a clear vision of where VHI is going in the context of Government policy and the issue he raised about Central Bank authorisation.

In the short to medium term VHI is the dominant player in the health insurance market. Many organisations, even the Health Insurance Authority, HIA, raise the issue of the plethora of health insurance policies available and the confusion they can cause for people in trying to compare policies. Does Mr. Downey believe the HIA should be more robust in ensuring a streamlining of the number of policies on offer in order that people can make a quid pro quocomparison of like policies as we encourage more people into the market and shop around? We need to ensure there is competition.

VHI has performed very well in recent years in a very challenging and difficult environment for private health insurance companies. The cost containment measures it has put in place are very welcome and more must be done in that regard.

Where does Mr. Downey see VHI’s role in respect of private hospitals seeking recognition and VHI cover? Does he believe there are enough private hospitals or is there always room for more? Is there enough capacity in the system? Does he believe every insurance company, including VHI, should be concerned about supplier-induced demand or is that a fear of competition in another form?

I wish Mr. Downey well and thank him for his service to date in his many roles, including in the Labour Relations Commission. I wish him the best of luck.