James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

If it cannot afford to pay the hospitals, it should renegotiate the fee structure. It cannot simply say there is a cap and no more procedures for hips, tonsillectomies or stents are to be done. I am referring to item No. 70, the risk equalisation transitional Bill, and asking when it will be introduced, if the Government is going to address this issue or whether the VHI is completely out of control. Will the Minister for Health and Children make a statement to the House on the matter as she is the main shareholder on behalf of the people?

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