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

I thank the Minister for his reply and his concern in this regard. Has it emerged from an examination of the figures available to date if there is a particular reason for the increases, other than the ageing population and the drop-out of many young families from private health insurance? To what extent are the costs of services being put forward as an ongoing reason for increases in such services?

Is regard being taken of the fact that the aged population also contributed when they were young? To what extent are all other insuring bodies in this country taking a fair share of the burden?

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