John Crown (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We have to be careful to ensure we do not leave a ticking timebomb for retired individuals who might think the burden has been lifted. There has to be a means of ensuring the insurance provision they responsibly made during their careers gives them adequate coverage after retirement. They should not be asked to pay premiums which are simply not sustainable for people at pension level.

This good Bill would plug a gap. It needs to be borne in mind that the phenomenon of doctors not having insurance is as rare as it is because almost every job for which they apply requires them to have made insurance provision. There are very few circumstances in which a medical practitioner can seek employment without having insurance. It is theoretically possible, however. It is certainly possible in the cases of people who practice on the fringes of medicine. I refer to those who may have medical degrees and set themselves up to practise non-conventional medicine. It is critically important that the Bill plug all of those gaps. I commend Senator Colm Burke and look forward to further debate on the legislation later in the session.