David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have one problem with this Bill and I am glad that Senator Colm Burke, on the Government side, already raised it. I am sure the Minister of State will be sympathetic to our concern, which relates to the penalisation of international students. A recent Health Insurance Authority, HIA, decision fundamentally changed the medical cover system applicable to international students temporarily resident in Ireland. They are now facing a considerable increase in what they must spend on health insurance, which is unfair. If the decision stands, international students will be treated as ordinary residents for the purpose of health cover, meaning a dramatic increase in the cost of cover. International students' medical expenses insurance traditionally cost €100 to €150 per year but, as Senator Colm Burke pointed out, that cost will now rocket to €450. As international students are charged enormously increased fees compared with Irish students to study here, they are already paying a significant premium. We are the second highest charger for these services in the European Union. When the British leave the Union, we will have the distinction of being the most expensive. That is completely wrong. The Department has dealt with the situation for many years, with 200,000 students having gone through under the existing, fairer, system. I am asking the Minister to look at the possibility, at some stage, of introducing an amendment to the Health Insurance Act in order that international students are specifically left out of the definition of "health insurance contract" in the same way that other temporary residents, such as temporary workers, are omitted. It is a question of natural fairness and decency.