Alex White (Labour)

I raise this matter for the purposes of information. I refer to the change to the age-related tax credit for health insurance premiums. I am not raising a query in the sense that I am not opposing this measure and I do not have any basis for opposing it. On the face of it, this looks quite acceptable. However, I have two questions. What is the policy rationale for this, in terms of increasing the tax credits as the individual ages? Why is this being done? I do not wish to suggest in asking that question that I am against it being done, I just question what is the policy rationale. Am I completely off the mark in thinking whether it has any bearing on the controversy last year with regard to community rating, the breakdown of the policy approach of the Minister for Health and Children in respect of community rating and the decision of the Supreme Court? That decision sent the Minister back to the drawing board. Is this a way to ameliorate the worst effects of that unfortunate loss in the Supreme Court?