Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 523: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of meetings he had with the chief executive officer of the VHI since he was appointed Minister; if he outlined his detailed plan to the CEO of his proposal to implement universal health insurance and if he requested the CEO's resignation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11771/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I have met with the CEO of the VHI twice since my appointment in March 2011. The first meeting took place soon after I took office when I met him along with the Chairman of the Board of the VHI. The second meeting was on 5 May last. At the meeting on 5 May, I outlined in general terms my plans for the introduction of Universal Health Insurance and how I considered the VHI could best fit into that future structure. In the course of those discussions, the CEO advised me of his intention to resign.

This Government has received a clear mandate to reform the health service and introduce a system of Universal Health Insurance. I have recently agreed to the appointment of financial and legal advisors to make recommendations on options to address the current imbalance in the private health insurance market. The advisors have been invited to consider all options, including, but not limited to, a break-up of the VHI. I have expressed my gratitude to the CEO for the considerable contribution he has made over the last three years. I understand that it is his intention to return to working in the private sector and I wish him every success for his future career.