James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I take on board what the Deputy is saying. Insurers are locked in competition for younger customers because that is where they make their greatest profit. For that reason, they will not cut prices too much. We want to encourage them to reduce their costs so that they are in a position to cut their prices.

We have already undertaken to discuss lifetime community rating with insurers. People take out insurance for the cover. In my experience, they also take it out because they want to have a one-to-one relationship with the treating consultant, which they sometimes feel they do not get in the public health service. That is something we are in the process of changing by having more consultants in hospitals. The new Labour Relations Commission agreement is about ensuring there are more consultants and senior decision makers around at all times.

I hope that clarifies matters for the Deputy. I am afraid I will not be accepting the amendment.

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