Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Some of these regulations seem to assume that it is a person from Mars who has a VHI subscription. We also have entitlements as taxpayers, and I would ask that this be borne in mind. I agree with Senator Burke that doing it on a more gradual basis is to be commended. People can be members of two schemes. Are we saying that a person with VHI must waive all entitlements that he or she has as a taxpayer and a citizen? I am glad the Minister of State is trying to juxtapose the two in a different manner than was originally intended, and I welcome that.