Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy. I am concerned about the impending increase in private health insurance. It is obviously a big issue for people who are hit with these increases. In terms of what can be done with insurance companies, I will obviously speak to the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, in respect of the Department of Health and what can be done in respect of that in terms of her position as Minister for Health. I am also conscious that the Government has previously engaged with insurance companies and has informed them that we do not want to them to increase their premiums in circumstances where that is having a very negative impact on the consumer. I will engage with my colleagues in respect of the issue. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and other statutory authorities under the provisions of the Department of Health also have a say in respect of that matter.

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