Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

May I continue? The purpose of the risk equalisation (amendment) scheme is to ensure there is more competition in the market. We want more health insurance companies in the market. We have been accused by the Opposition of not being interested in the consumer. On the contrary, we have more health insurance companies now than we ever had. We have also been trying to employ 1,000 extra consultants, which would have a serious effect on what we are talking about today. That would also increase competition and would have an effect on insurance costs for all the insurance companies.

Several speakers referred to young people in the health insurance market. It has not been decided yet, but the Government intends to incentivise young people to take out public health insurance. This should be welcomed by everyone.

The statement by Deputy McManus that the Progressive Democrats have an agenda of "private good, public bad" is totally untrue.

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