James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

We could end up with a situation, not just with our banks, but where the VHI could decide to become expansionist - it clearly intends to be - and go on a little adventure which could cost us €100 million and, whack, the taxpayer is caught again to bail it out because money, which was supposedly put aside for health, was used in a misadventure elsewhere. I do not believe the taxpayer or the health service is getting proper protection. This money should at least be ring-fenced for health.

There are grave concerns about the impact the levy will have on consumers, businesses and the wider market. According to research conducted by the regulator, price still remains the primary reason for switching on the market. With the introduction of this levy, there will be a harmonisation of pricing thus reducing consumer choices and bringing about a stagnation of market share and a reduction of competition in the market. That would seem to be the case.

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