Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

I also wish everybody a happy new year and in respect of the Department of Health, a peaceful new year among the Ministers.

While I welcome the Minister's reply, it does not address the key issue, that the cost of health insurance is inflating rapidly and many families are no longer able to afford to have private cover. During a Dáil debate this time last year the Minister stated he fundamentally opposed an increase in the community rating levy and he was vehement in his criticism of an 11% increase. A few weeks ago we found out he had sanctioned a 40% increase. What is the difference between what he stated in January 2011 and the decision he made recently? What has changed with regard to the issues in the health insurance industry generally that it is now okay to increase the community rating levy by 40% when previously he fundamentally opposed an increase, stating it was an attack on the elderly and every person who was trying to take out private health insurance?

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