Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

When will we know if risk equalisation will continue? Legal advice is being sought and we must await it. As a result of the withdrawal by BUPA Ireland, however, and the purchase of its share of the market by the Quinn group, something to be welcomed in one respect, will a situation arise where many more insurers will be allowed to enter the health market and cherry pick? The situation must be stabilised as a matter of urgency. Those who take out health insurance must pay for it and we must show concern for the patients.

Pharmacists were mentioned this morning. The Minister for Health and Children stated that she accepted the view of the pharmacy review group that no beneficial relationship or business interest of any kind should exist between dispensing and prescribing. This arose in regard to group practices and adjacent pharmacies. Is that still the Government position? It is happening in more and more places and it could be a dangerous practice that is detrimental to the vibrancy and vitality of the hearts or many of our towns.