James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I am talking about pending legislation, although "pending" is the operative word, because this legislation has been required since the inept risk equalisation legislation fell in the courts in 2008. We were promised that risk equalisation would be introduced within three years, but the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Moloney, told us on the airwaves only last week that it would be another two years. Risk equalisation is extant in other jurisdictions; we do not need to re-invent the wheel. When will the risk equalisation legislation come before the House? Does the Government have any plans to ensure people are protected from the outrageous hikes in VHI premiums?

See this speech in context