Phil Prendergast (Labour)

I welcome the Minister of State. I also welcome the opportunity to discuss the Bill. I concur with Senator Feeney in respect of maternity patients. For many years, it was a matter of considerable frustration for women who were VHI clients and wanted to avail of private rooms that they could not do so due to hospital policy, not necessarily because of the consultants. It is ridiculous that so many people who want private rooms would instead be put into public beds because of hospital policy. It also wastes hospitals' money. I wish to expand the discussion on this matter.

The reward system for people in the US who have private health insurance has been proven to work well. I read about the Safeway case, including on the Internet. A system wherein people would be rewarded for looking after their health would always be good.

The VHI's market share has decreased to an estimated 66%, but its profits remain substantial, so I am not too concerned. The risk equalisation issue must be examined. I like the interim scheme, as it will provide an opportunity for a proper evaluation and review of any insurance system put in place. Many people are VHI clients because they are members of a work scheme and their contributions are deducted from salary at base or so on. As with Senator Feeney's case, I noticed quite a jump when my youngest son recently became 18 years of age and was put on the higher rate. It should be the case that people who are still in school should not be put on a higher rate, given the dramatic jump. Those who are less well off would feel it significantly.

Every other point has been discussed by previous speakers.