James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators who contributed. We are discussing a health insurance Bill and not broader health issues. On that basis, I will stick to the issues relevant to the legislation but I take on board what Members have said. I utterly reject some of what was said but that is the nature of debate.

The Bill is intended to strengthen and maintain stability in the private health insurance market. Senator MacSharry wondered about the UHI paper and that will be with us before the end of the month. A White Paper will be published early next year. Senator Colm Burke asked why consultants have to sign forms when junior doctors have done the work. They should not sign them if they have not done the work.