Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

——and then making decisions to implement these priorities. We believe in public private partnerships and in putting the patient first. We will continue to make those decisions.

The scheme we are discussing today is not designed to enable any insurer to benefit financially; it is a measure to compensate insurers for having a disproportionate share of the market risk. Consumers in the Irish market benefit from a range of regulatory protection, namely, community rating and open and lifetime cover. These measures will continue to apply. The regulatory framework for the market has been subject to scrutiny by the High Court which strongly endorsed the framework. The changes reflect the recommendations of the expert Barrington group and the Competition Authority.

The Government is fully committed to the principle of community rating and these changes endorse that and enforce this commitment. We are also ensuring the legitimate ambitions of all companies are taken into account in respect of what we are doing today. That 50% of the population has chosen to take out health insurance shows the regulatory framework supports the consumer. The changes made to the primary legislation are reflected in the amendments before this House. In addition——

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