Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 134: To ask the Minister for Health his views regarding the VHI's refusal to cover new patients in Mahon Hospital, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29437/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The decision taken by Vhi to decline to provide cover for the hospital facility at Mahon in Cork was a commercial decision taken by the Board of Vhi. While I was disappointed at that decision, I am not in a position to intervene in the commercial decisions of the Vhi or any other health insurer. I have raised the issue with the Chairperson and CEO of the Vhi in the context of competition and will continue to monitor Vhi's approach to such decisions.

Deputy Kelleher may be aware that his matter is now the subject of legal proceedings issued against the Vhi by the liquidator appointed to the operators of the Mahon facility. An order to provide security for the costs of this legal action was issued by the High Court on 12 June as the Court is not satisfied that a prima facie case has been made out as to the existence of a causal connection between the refusal of the Vhi to approve the facility at Mahon and the claimed loss resulting from its cessation of operations.