Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

No. The framework for health insurance established by the Government has been unravelling in recent months. That unravelling has been punctuated by legislation introduced on an emergency basis and passed without proper debate. Today, another item of legislation is being introduced at the 11th hour and only 25 minutes have been allocated for the debate on it. The legislation to which I refer is clearly the start of a process of dramatic change in the health insurance environment. That process could lead to significant increases in premiums and also to the end of the unified charge for people, regardless of age. The provision of a mere 25 minutes — with spokespersons being given only five minutes to make their views known on a matter of enormous significance to the way the health insurance system will work in the long term — is inadequate. We do not support the proposal.

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