Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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Question 525: To ask the Minister for Health if he has consulted with the Health Insurance Authority in respect of his proposal to re-designate beds in public hospitals, particularly in view of the authority's statutory remit in relation to the functioning of the health insurance market; if so the views of the HIA on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30324/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I currently have no proposals in relation to bed designation. Furthermore, the Deputy may wish to note that the HIA has no role to play with regard to any decisions being made in the re-designation of beds in public hospitals. The Health Insurance Authority (HIA) is the statutory regulator of the private health insurance market and provides information to consumers regarding their rights and also on health insurance plans and benefits. The HIA plays an important role for customers, both in ensuring that they have accurate information, and in enforcing the implementation of the law protecting consumers in relation to health insurance and where appropriate it issues enforcement notices to enforce compliance with the Health Insurance Acts.