Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 122: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans, in view of the recent reports from the Health Insurance Authority and the Competition Authority, for health insurance here and for the policy of risk equalisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6283/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I welcome the reports from the Competition Authority and the Health Insurance Authority on increasing competition in the private health insurance market. The two reports have produced a wealth of useful information and analysis. I am in the process of studying the recommendations made in the two reports. I am also awaiting a report from the Market Review Group which has been asked to examine the rate of return that can be made in the Irish health insurance market and related issues. This group is expected to report at the end of March. When I have had the opportunity to examine all of the recommendations in these reports I intend to bring forward proposals to introduce any reforms which I think are necessary to make the market function more efficiently.