James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

The Minister has told us that, as far as she can foresee, there will be not be any increase in premiums. Will she confirm this to the House? It is important to point out that community rating is still enshrined in law and, therefore, a rise cannot apply in a plan unless it applies across all age groups. Will the Minister admit that younger people will be pushed out of health insurance through the combination of increased premiums, levies and reduced tax benefit apart from those aged over 50? When will the new legislation be introduced? Will the Minister share with us why we remain insistent on a 40% reserve in the VHI when most other places, including the UK, have a reserve of 25%?

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