Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 235: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if he will outline all contacts between him and a group (details supplied) and Voluntary Health Insurance between his appointment as Minister and Tuesday, 23 March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5904/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I met with representatives of the Cork Medical Centre along with the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Simon Coveney, on 10 March 2011. I listened to their concerns about the decision of the VHI not to provide cover for the facility. I explained that I could not intervene in what are commercial decisions for the VHI. However, I indicated that while I was not in a position to give any undertakings, that I would discuss the issue with the VHI.

I met with the Chairman and Chief Executive of the VHI on 11 March to discuss a range of issues, including the VHI's decision on the Cork Medical Centre. In particular, I expressed my disappointment at a decision which would lead to the closure of such a modern facility and the consequent loss of jobs. While it is not appropriate for me to intervene in the decisions of the VHI as to which health service providers it makes arrangements with on behalf of its customers, I am anxious to deal with the perceived dominance of the VHI in the private health insurance market. In that regard, I have instructed my officials to proceed with the appointment of financial and legal advisors to examine options for the rebalancing of the market, with a view to addressing this position.