Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 203: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals to alter the regulations pertaining to the health insurance sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19249/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Under the Health Insurance Acts, regulations shall not be made until a resolution approving of the regulations in draft has been passed by each House of the Oireachtas. It is my intention to present some minor amendments to the health insurance regulations to the Houses of the Oireachtas seeking approval this week.

I intend to bring forward a limited number of amendments to the risk equalisation scheme, to address issues raised by the Health Insurance Authority in its reports made under the scheme. The amendments relate, primarily, to clarifications of existing definitions. Given that insurers make returns on a six monthly basis under the scheme, it would be desirable that amendments be approved and the regulations made in advance of 1 July next, the first day of the next data return period.

I also intend to submit amendments to the open enrolment regulations relating to the envisaged commencement of section 8 of the Health Insurance (Amendment) Act 2001. The proposed amendments relate to the decision of two restricted membership undertakings to opt out of risk equalisation arrangements under subsection 2(b) of section 12 of the Health Insurance Acts, and providing for the extension of open enrolment to those aged 65 and over. One other proposed amendment to the regulations, generally, will be to replace the term 'ancillary health services' with 'relevant health services' in line with the related change made in the 2001 Act.