Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to oblige health insurance providers to cover primary care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25917/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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International evidence is that people's best health can be achieved much more cost-effectively by a greater emphasis on primary care services, in order to avoid hospitalisation or prolonged stays in hospital. Health insurance has its role to play in this in Ireland. On 27 May 2010, the Government announced a new strategy for the private health insurance market. As part of the package of reforms announced, I signalled my intention to extend the minimum benefits for health insurance to cover areas like primary care and preventive health measures.

The Health Insurance Authority is about to engage in a consultation process with insurers and others with a view to reporting to me on possible amendments to the minimum benefits regulations. This consultation will form the basis for the development of a new set of regulations which, for the benefit of all, will fit better with a more modern healthcare delivery system involving primary care to a greater degree, and reducing the dependence on acute hospital care.