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

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 3, before section 2, to insert the following new section:

2.--(1) Subject to subsection (2), this Act, other than Part 1 and sections 5, 6, 7 (but not including paragraph (e)(ii) of section 7) and 14, shall come into operation on such day or days as the Minister may appoint by order or orders either generally or with reference to any particular purpose or provision, and different days may be so appointed for different purposes and different provisions.

(2) Sections 13, 15, 16 and 17 shall come into operation on 1 January 2014.”.

Section 2 provides for the commencement of the Bill. This is a technical amendment to provide that in addition to sections 6 and 7, with the exception of paragraph (e)(ii) of section 7, Part 1 and sections 5 and 14 shall commence upon the enactment of the Bill. Other sections of the Bill shall be commenced as appropriate by way of commencement order.

Sections 13, 15, 16 and 17 all refer to elements of the private inpatient charge and require co-ordination in their commencement. As a result of discussions my Department has had with the private insurance industry in order to agree a phasing in of the charges for all private patients, including those who occupy public beds, I have decided to implement these charges from 1 January 2014 to ensure the agreed additional revenue is realised.

The deferral of the implementation date of the new charge will allow time to assure the private health insurers that these new charges will only raise the intended €30 million in 2014 in line with a phased approval, by carrying out an independent assessment of private patient activity and charges. If it is necessary, I will amend the rates in the autumn by amending legislation to deliver the €30 million. I, therefore, ask Deputies to support this amendment.

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