Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Darragh O'Brien and other Senators expressed their sympathy to the wife and family of the late Gary Wyse, a young councillor and a father of four young children who died suddenly yesterday. I join with those expressions of sympathy to Michelle and her family. His death was a deep shock and occasion of sadness for everyone. He was a young man going about his business and he was struck down so suddenly. It is a shock to everyone in Waterford, irrespective of their political leanings. Gary Wyse was an excellent, first-term councillor. He was working hard for the people of Waterford.

I refer to the issue of tax relief on private health insurance policies raised by Senator Darragh O'Brien. As he rightly points out, they have been voted in by the other House. The clear objective of the Minister for Health is to reform the current health system and to deliver a single-tier health service in which access to health care is based on need rather than on ability to pay. I believe all Members are in agreement with this objective. The Government is committed to the ongoing sustainability of the health insurance market as part of the transition to a market-based universal health insurance system. The tax relief given at source is the second most costly tax expenditure for the Exchequer, estimated to reach over €500 million in 2013. The cost has increased significantly in recent years, from approximately €400 million in 2011, to €444 million last year and €500 million this year. This is an increase of 24% in almost two years.

Despite the increasing costs of the relief, the numbers insured have reduced by approximately 170,000 over the same period while at the same time the level of medical cover in some of those policies has decreased. In 2008, the average premium paid by each insured person was €728.80 and in 2012 this had risen to €1,047, representing a 44% increase since 2008. The Minister has consistently raised the issue of these costs with the health insurers as a body and he is determined to address the costs in their sector, in the interests of consumers, in order to mitigate the need for any increases in premiums. By introducing an upper ceiling on this relief, it is intended to ensure continuing support by means of the tax system for those who purchase standard but good policies, while reducing Exchequer exposure to the more expensive policies. That was the point on which Senator O'Brien agreed to differ with the Minister for Finance.

Senators Bacik, Mooney, Mullen, Mullins, Noone and others raised the matter of the minimum pricing of alcohol or below cost selling of alcohol. I have invited the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, to come to the House. I understand that policy will be outlined tomorrow. I hope the Minister of State will come to the House to debate the issue with Members.

Senator Bacik Landy and Kelly also raised the question of the one-parent family tax credit. I am sure that can be addressed in the context of the Social Welfare Bill. If not, I am sure we will find another avenue by which it can be discussed in the House.

Senator O'Donnell spoke about the lack of enforcement of building regulations which was clearly evident over the period of the Celtic tiger years when regulations were swept aside and there was little or no enforcement. I certainly agree with the Senator that people are angry, not alone with banks but also with the people who were responsible for building substandard houses and apartments and the professionals who signed off on these structures. They should be held to account, in my view. However, there does not seem to be any movement in that regard. Local authorities have tightened up on the building regulations and on enforcement. However, the people responsible for many substandard homes, for which people paid large mortgages, are not being held to account. Action will have to be taken. The builders and the professionals who signed off on the buildings have a lot to answer for.

Senator Quinn spoke about the anomalies in Russian adoption cases. I have raised the question with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. She is very sympathetic. She has contacted some of the families in question and she is quite aware of the plight of these families. I am sure she will do everything possible and it is hoped the technicalities of the system can be acted upon. The window of opportunity is closing very shortly-----