Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply. Concerns have been expressed by many of those who have faced gradually increasing health insurance premiums in recent years. In their heyday, they contributed equally and reliably to the system when it was less competitive and provided better value for money. They did so in an economic environment in which they often paid as much as 17% interest on their mortgages, etc. I reject the suggestion in some quarters of the market that they are now a burden on the system.

Will the Minister indicate whether comparisons have been made with the system operating in the adjoining jurisdiction? Have people been subjected to the same increases? If not, how can the situation of Irish consumers be improved?

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