James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

Many people would reject the Minister's assertion to the effect that she had no option other than to introduce the levy system. The VHI has considerable funds, made a considerable profit of €112 million last year and has raised its premia by 23%. Why was the legislative route offered by the courts not taken, which obviously left the door open for the Minister to bring in new legislation that would introduce a new form of risk equalisation? In the past, I have raised concerns about the level at which risk equalisation was set, given the dominance of the VHI in the market and the fact that with its huge database it no longer has any restriction on it from going into any market. Is this fattening the calf for sale?

See this speech in context