Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Feighan. It is safe to say that the fundamental purpose of this Bill can be summed up in one word, "fairness". As we know and accept, fairness is of great importance in any sector and certainly in the health sector. As others have said, the Oireachtas now passes legislation of this kind annually but it is very important nonetheless. It allows for health insurance at the same cost regardless of age, gender or one's health status or illness level. It ensures that health insurance companies are not penalised when providing insurance for older customers who may require medical treatment and care more so than younger customers. We cannot escape the fact that the provision of high-quality, appropriate and timely healthcare is expensive the world over. With increasingly high-tech procedures, revolutionary treatments and innovative medications, outcomes for patients are improving. Despite the constant focus on the negatives, this is as true for our health service as it is for those of many other comparable countries. Covid-19 has also brought the exceptional care provided by the committed staff of our health service into sharp focus. For many older people or people with underlying health conditions, the possibility of contracting Covid-19 has been a constant worry. Often, despite significant investment by the State, the cost of healthcare is also a concern. The availability and accessibility of health insurance is therefore of great importance to many people. Like any other insurance, it provides peace of mind, hopefully without having to be used.

Last month the Joint Committee on Health heard from key people on the Sláintecare programme implementation office and the associated section of the HSE. It was clear that many wonderful and constructive initiatives and programmes are under way, each one representing a step towards the implementation of the all-party commitment to Sláintecare. The full implementation of Sláintecare will involve sensible and strategic investment. Primary care in the community, innovative use of technology and health promotion will all be prioritised. Health insurance may become a necessity of the past, with legislation like this no longer needed. That is the long-term aim of the Sláintecare report, which calls for free and equal access to healthcare for all. Until Sláintecare is fully implemented, this Bill is an important measure to equalise access to healthcare for some.