Liam Twomey (Fine Gael)

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 provides 75% of this. From the point of view of the customer, concerns are raised about whether it is privatised or remains in public ownership.