Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Bill the Minister of State has brought before us. Risk equalisation is important in ensuring there is a level playing field for all, regardless of age. It is an indication of the upturn in the economy that 150,000 more people have taken out health insurance in the past two years and more than 2.1 million people are now covered. We must acknowledge the contribution the private health sector makes to health care. My understanding is that more than 40% of elective surgery is carried out in private hospitals. Were it not for that provision, the public system would not be able to accommodate the demand that is there. Nevertheless, I agree with other speakers that there should not be a clear divide between those who have health insurance and those who do not. Just as we have a level playing field in respect of insurance provision, we must ensure the same applies when it comes to the ability to access health care, whether or not a person is insured.

In regard to health care generally, one of the things we need to do more effectively is take account of demographic changes and their impact on the provision of services and facilities. There is a particular issue in Cork, for instance, where we have had a population increase of more than 130,000 but no pro ratarise in the number of hospital beds.For instance, in the Mercy hospital up to 40% of elective surgery was cancelled in 2016 because of admissions through its accident and emergency department. Therefore, it is important when we are developing new facilities that we make sure there is a clear divide between ensuring there is adequate space for accident and emergency admissions and that it does not interfere with elective surgery. That is extremely important.

I also welcome the proposed changes to the Bill with respect to no loading applying if one is working abroad. That is extremely important as many people are out of the country for a period and then return. Senator Craughwell referred to the issue regrading the Defence Forces, who are making a valuable contribution to this country and it is important they are not penalised for being out of the country.

In the overall context of the Bill the clear division in the costs between male and female in terms of contribution in respect of risk equalisation is interesting. I note from the Schedule that in the case of a male aged 70 or over the loading is €1,750, in other words, that is the contribution made from the fund towards his insurance, whereas in the case of a female the loading is €1,250. This raises the issue of men's health care. Women are living longer. They are more conscious of and act faster when they have health problems. Education is needed in that respect.

I read a report this morning which showed that 15% of all cancers are identified as a result of people being admitted into accident and emergency care whereby they present for a medical complaint and a cancer is identified. That raises the issue of education. If we want to reduce the number of people being admitted to hospital, we all have a duty of care in making sure we look after our health. I refer to a number of areas, including smoking, drinking and obesity. We have a job to do in that area to reduce the level of admissions. If the level of admissions is reduced, the cost of health care will be reduced. It is extremely important that we address that.

I thank the Minister of State for bringing forward this Bill. It is important that it be put through and that we continue with a level playing field for all the people who buy into private health insurance.