Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am not dealing with just one case. We have to consider this in the context of the significant premiums charged. It is not a case of refusing someone on a particular basis. I am concerned because it may act as a deterrent for people accessing the help and support they need for fear of not being able to at some stage in their life own their own home. I ask the witnesses to acknowledge that it is not about just one case, and to examine the situation and put insurance firms on notice that while there is flexibility, it is not being used and there needs to be fairness in their approach to people undergoing counselling. I see it as a very positive thing when people take charge of their health, be it their mental or physical health, and get the support and treatment they need and are then able to have a home of their own. It should not be a case of one or the other. I ask the witnesses to do everything they can to make sure that this situation is addressed for people across the board so that they know they will not be penalised later on in life.