James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

On the last question, HIQA may be empowered to undertake investigations but the reality is that this time it took the Minister to instruct it before it happened.

On this question, this was a mess-up in terms of legislation brought in by the Minister and then misinterpreted. While it is good to hear the Minister say she wants insurance to continue to be affordable to people, particularly the elderly, the consequences of that is that it is likely to cause a rise. I fully support the Minister in the community rating principle. I would have issues with her in the manner in which it was being implemented, the amounts being sought, the percentages and the timing, given that the VHI currently is in good health, so to speak, with €70 million plus in reserves. Specifically, what action is the Minister taking and when does she hope to come to this House with further legislation or to indicate her plan to deal with this issue? More importantly, does the Minister expect more legal challenges?

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