John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As to why it is not in the legislation, I do not think it was intended even to take it into consideration. It was presumed that there was protection there by way of intergenerational solidarity. In the first instance, health insurance premiums are charged on a net premium basis, after the reduction of credits to all persons, irrespective of their level of income. I do not think that would arise in that context. The legislation makes the point that it is an interim measure. Health insurance premiums are charged, as I said, on a net premium basis, so there is protection there.