James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 282: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether it is wise and fair that the smallest insurer in the market (details supplied) should be the only health insurer forced to make money payments under the risk equalisation scheme in March 2008; the way she sees this system as encouraging choice and competition in the market; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33848/07]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 283: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the current stay in payments on the risk equalisation scheme; the way a company (details supplied) is being forced to make the payment due to its failure to litigate against the Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33849/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 282 and 283 together.

Under the provisions of the risk equalisation scheme the company referred to in the Deputy's questions would, when the Health Insurance Authority next considers the matter, be subject only to 50% of the payments that would normally fall due in its case given the manner in which the provisions of the risk equalisation scheme apply to it. In addition, having regard to facilitating competition in the market, the current risk equalisation scheme falls a long way short of full equalisation and only partially equalises risk differentials between the insurers. With regard to the other likely contributors to the risk equalisation scheme, the question of a stay is before the High Court on 18th December.