Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Few things strike more fear in the heart of a family than the fear of illness and concerns over the inability to pay for the care of a family member. Over the years that aspect of Irish culture has driven a relatively high participation in private health insurance notwithstanding the universality of the service that is provided. That fear is real to the family and out of that concern people have participated fully. While that fear still exists, approximately 200 people are dropping out of private health insurance on a daily basis. That is a staggering number. I recognise we are in a recessionary period and I am sure the Minister of State and his colleagues, as is their wont, will apportion blame for why we are in this position.

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