Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

I ask the Minister for Health and Children to come to the House to explain his position on the recent proposed increase of 3.8% in charges by the VHI. This comes on the back of increases of 8.5% and 18% in the past two years. The VHI made a profit of €34 million up to the end of February 2003 and I regard it as a little rich of the company to look for a further increase. This will be an extra burden on the taxpayer and on those who need health insurance.

It is confusing that Irish delegations can go to the United States on St. Patrick's Day and meet with the Governor of New York and the President of the United States, yet when President Bush comes to Ireland, all politicians and business leaders seem to be excluded from meeting him. Are we allowed to meet him when he comes to our country or must we go to the United States all the time?