Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

To clarify the issue, the Government health insurance initiative will entail legislative proposals, which will be brought to the House. The date of which we speak is 1 January 2009.

The other legislation raised by Deputy Kenny is a new risk equalisation Bill arising from the Supreme Court decision. Our legal advice suggests it will be some considerable time, at least two years, before the legislation, which is to be based on a risk equalisation model, will be introduced to the House.

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