Tom Shehan (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for her comprehensive address on this legislation. Two years ago, on a point of principle, I dropped my health insurance because of how it has been abused by health insurers and others. I did not do it lightly as I am married with four children but it was based on two experiences I had with health insurance providers.

My wife required a minor procedure and was in and out of the hospital in 15 minutes. The bill came to €970 but owing to the fact that our insurance would only cover €880, we had to pay €90. I felt the whole procedure should have cost €90. My wife was charged €550 for the bed she was on for ten minutes. That is wrong and immoral.

When my wife went for her 16-week scan with our last baby, she was given an appointment for another scan two weeks later. Those were the worst two weeks I have experienced because I convinced myself something was wrong with our baby. When my wife returned for the scan, she was told to go to a doctor's private rooms. She refused and stated we had our first three children in the public service which were excellent and it would be the same with our fourth child. My wife was informed the visit to the rooms would cost her nothing as we had VHI cover. How many scans are pregnant women having when they are on private health insurance? To the best of my knowledge, consultants are rarely at the births too.

A couple I know both had their hips done, coincidentally, in different hospitals. The man was kept in hospital for five days after his operation while his wife was kept for 11 days. She is progressing better than he is. The difference in the two hospital bills was €50, however. How can that be?

I agree with Senator Bradford that the pricing structures in health need to be tackled. In any business, a bill is itemised. Health insurers must justify the costs they charge. If one goes to a GP to get some steel out of one's eye, it should cost €50. If, however, one is on health insurance, he will get €300 for it. That is a wrong and immoral abuse of the system. Until it is tackled, we will not have a fair and equitable health insurance system.