Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

There is a problem of rising premia costs in the private health insurance market. The Government is taking its responsibilities seriously with regard to rising health insurance costs. As a consequence, the Minister for Health established the forum under the chairmanship of Mr. McLoughlin. The initial report identifies a number of areas that need to be tackled and addressed. A further body of work is under way and will report within three months.

There are a number of aspects to the issue of rising costs in the health insurance market, one of which was instanced by Deputy Kelleher. I do not understand why a health insurance company should receive a bill for €17,000 for one night in a hospital. This is one of the issues which needs to be examined.

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