Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am sure he has met many parents in his constituency who appreciate the fact that if they consider their children have ailments or problems they will be able to bring them to their doctors without having to make difficult decisions. I do not accept his assertions. This budget is designed to get the people of our country, young and old, out of the bailout programme and to move to a point where the economy is prospering, jobs are created and people can go to work. As I said to Deputy Martin earlier, every person has the opportunity to chose an amenable private health insurance plan. From a fairness perspective, the Government provides a subsidy for every adult and child of up to €600. It is for the people themselves to choose between a lower cost private health insurance plan and a higher cost plan.

That is a matter of judgment for themselves.

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