Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 158: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who held private health insurance for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; her views on whether there will be a significant reduction in the number for 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46661/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The table shows changes in the numbers and percentage of the population covered under a private health insurance contract from 2007 to the end of June 2009.

There has been a small decrease in the number of people covered under a private health insurance contract in the first six months of 2009. It is not clear at this time the extent to which this is due to individuals ceasing to hold private health insurance or to individuals not taking out private health insurance for the first time. In the case of individuals who may have ceased to hold private health insurance, no survey of reasons for such a possible cessation has taken place, so it is not possible for me to give any numbers of or statement with regard to individuals who have ceased to hold private health insurance due to income pressure.

Data are not available at this time with regard to the use of health services by persons who may have ceased to hold cover. However, all persons who hold private health insurance also have eligibility for services as public patients in acute hospitals which they can use while holding private health insurance cover.