Phil Prendergast (Labour)

Under the Bill, as drafted, responsibility for deciding the date for the VHI to have full capital reserves rests with the Minister. The Minister could impose a date for implementation of the requirement which could cause problems for the VHI. Our amendment would ensure that the date chosen would have to be approved by both Houses prior to its coming into effect. Perhaps the Minister might outline the timetable she envisages for the implementation of the Bill.