David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 151: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if regulations have been made to enable persons aged 65 and over who decide to avail of private health insurance cover for the first time or wish to renew cover after a material break in previous cover to do so; if not, when such regulations will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7289/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Insurance (Amendment) Act 2001 contained provision for the introduction of a system of lifetime community rating which will involve allowing health insurers to apply late entry premium loadings to persons who delay taking out insurance cover until, or after the age of 35 years. Under this system, access to cover will be open to persons aged 65 or over who decide to avail of cover for the first time, or wish to renew cover after a material break in previous cover.

While the primary legislation is in place, the detailed implementation of lifetime community rating will be by way of regulations. Drafting of the regulations is in train and they will be introduced as soon as is practicable.