Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

Let us have the facts.

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that the Minister for Health and Children come to the House to discuss and seek the postponement of the proposed fee increase by VHI. It is incredible that we have not heard from her in the House. Some people cannot make a decision regarding their health insurance premiums because they cannot access the information they require. They are concerned about a lack of coverage. We have an obligation and a duty of care to people. The Minister for Health and Children, within whose remit VHI falls, should come to the House to debate the issue. On behalf of the people, we should seek a postponement of the fee increase by VHI. Therefore, I call on the Leader to join me in asking the Minister to come to the House which should, collectively and united as one voice, seek to bring about a deferment of the fee increase by VHI.