Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

On behalf of the Minister, Deputy Harney, and myself, I thank all Members who have participated in the consideration of the Bill on Second, Committee and Report Stages for their different viewpoints. In particular, I thank the Opposition spokespersons in the Dáil and the Seanad for the amendments tabled. The amendments that were accepted or resulted in Parliamentary Counsel drafting amendments to address the issues raised have enhanced the provisions of the Bill and I compliment the Members who tabled them.

It is hoped that the Seanad will give consideration to the amendments made by the House in the near future and that the Bill will enable the Voluntary Health Insurance Board to attain authorisation as an insurer by year end.

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