Results 1,401-1,420 of 4,810 for speaker:Liam Twomey

Seanad: Pension Provision: Motion (Resumed) (14 Nov 2007)

Liam Twomey: He was there for too long.

Seanad: Pension Provision: Motion (Resumed) (14 Nov 2007)

Liam Twomey: I should have been delighted if the Senator had interrupted me.

Seanad: Pension Provision: Motion (Resumed) (14 Nov 2007)

Liam Twomey: My apologies.

Seanad: Pension Provision: Motion (Resumed) (14 Nov 2007)

Liam Twomey: No.

Seanad: Pension Provision: Motion (Resumed) (14 Nov 2007)

Liam Twomey: All right.

Seanad: Pension Provision: Motion (Resumed) (14 Nov 2007)

Liam Twomey: It is unlikely that, while in Opposition, we will be rolled over and tickled by the Government parties.

Seanad: Voluntary Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages (15 Nov 2007)

Liam Twomey: Is that to do with the reserve?

Seanad: Voluntary Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages (15 Nov 2007)

Liam Twomey: Is the reserve being changed?

Seanad: Voluntary Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages (15 Nov 2007)

Liam Twomey: It is 28% or something like that.

Seanad: Voluntary Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages (15 Nov 2007)

Liam Twomey: On the Second Stage debate it became clear that if the VHI has to increase its reserves to 40% it will need to get €140 million before the end of next year. While the Minister says it has the option to use reinsurance, such mechanisms incur costs which will eventually be passed on to the consumer. There is no need for a health insurance company to have reserves equivalent to 40% of its...

Seanad: Voluntary Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages (15 Nov 2007)

Liam Twomey: In respect of that issue, I was not given an answer on Second Stage.

Seanad: Voluntary Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages (15 Nov 2007)

Liam Twomey: At the same time, we should expect a reply at some stage in the legislation. I cannot move an amendment looking for itemised bills from the VHI but it is still very relevant to the legislation about which we are discussing. There is no opportunity have the legislation provide that an itemised bill should be issued to every customer. At the same time as I raised this issue——

Seanad: Voluntary Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages (15 Nov 2007)

Liam Twomey: Another consumer protection issue should also be covered if the Minister is discussing matters with the HIA. I will not raise it here but will possibly raise it with the Minister outside.

Seanad: Voluntary Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages (15 Nov 2007)

Liam Twomey: What difficulties does the Minister envisage regarding the authorisation of the VHI? It appears that matters should be straightforward when the reserve issue is resolved. The VHI would then be in a position to act according to whatever the market dictates once it complies with the Financial Regulator under existing legislation. It does not appear, therefore, that any major problems will...

Seanad: Voluntary Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages (15 Nov 2007)

Liam Twomey: What status does the Minister expect the VHI will have after this legislation is passed? Will it be more like a semi-State body or will this Bill will make the VHI corporate and therefore easier to privatise?

Seanad: Voluntary Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages (15 Nov 2007)

Liam Twomey: I am curious about how this Bill will progress matters. It seems to set it up so that if the Government wants to dispose of the VHI and privatise it fully, it can be done. This raises two concerns.

Seanad: Voluntary Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages (15 Nov 2007)

Liam Twomey: It would be relatively straightforward to do so once this Bill is passed as it will almost have semi-State status. The Government is divesting itself of responsibility for the VHI. Much of the regulation of the organisation will fall into the remit of the Financial Regulator and this will make it easier to privatise it. Half of the population relies on private health insurance and the VHI...

Seanad: Voluntary Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages (15 Nov 2007)

Liam Twomey: What will be the status of VHI? Will it be a semi-State organisation?

Seanad: Voluntary Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages (15 Nov 2007)

Liam Twomey: Does the Minister for Health and Children have no control over it apart from owning it?

Seanad: Voluntary Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages (15 Nov 2007)

Liam Twomey: The Minister will no longer have a veto over increasing premiums.