David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

----- and that is why I support this Bill. The Bill may not be perfect but we will wait until the Senator's party is in government for perfection.

The risk equalisation scheme made available €670 million, which is a significant amount of money. That demonstrates the significance of that scheme. From the beginning I have totally supported both community rating and risk equalisation. There were times when the commercial markets were fighting against it as hard as they possibly could.

I note legislation is needed each year, but why is that the case? Is there no mechanism to produce a situation which would be more stable, that would last for a greater period than one year? Has this ever been contemplated? Is there not a way that could be devised that could meet these requirements?

I am glad that the Minister is opening up the board to a greater participation of health workers. I have a few questions. Under the definition section, only one term is defined, namely, ""Principal Act" means the Health Insurance Act"." That is fairly standard and obvious.

I do not know, although some of my colleagues probably do know, what international healthcare plans mean? Does it mean that we insure people who are not Irish citizens or does it mean that we insure people when they are going abroad? I would like the Minister of State to clarify that. That should be included in the definition section because it would make it more accessible to the ordinary public.

I also do not know the difference between advanced cover and non-advanced cover. That should be included in the definition section also because it is opaque to the average person reading this Bill. They will not know the difference between non-advanced and advanced cover. The Minister of State might put the meaning of these terms on the record of the House.