John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I thank everybody for the debate and will try to respond to as many of the issues as I can. I thank the officials, Mr. Barrett and Mr. Smyth, for their support and advice throughout the passage of this Bill.

It should be remembered that many issues mentioned here were dealt with and flagged in the health committee some years ago, when we had presentations from VHI and BUPA. Many of the concerns raised by members of the committee are now being addressed or at least referred to.

I thank Senator Twomey for his contribution. He referred to the effects of the levy on younger people. The reality is that the increase in younger peoples' premiums because of the levy reflects the fact that younger members of these insurers had not been supporting intergenerational solidarity.

Whilst the solvency requirement is high, its level is a matter for the Financial Regulator. It has already been made aware of these changes. As the credit is granted at source all persons will benefit, in the same way as they benefit from the standard relief currently granted. There is no change in that particular apparatus.