Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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931. To ask the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding health care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10590/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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A sustainable community rated market requires intergenerational solidarity whereby a constant influx of young healthy members support ageing less healthy members. Building on the recent upturn in the economy two initiatives were introduced from 1 May 2015. Lifetime Community Rating and reduced premiums for Young Adults promote the sustainability of the insurance market as a whole. Without these measures, there would be a continued deterioration in the age profile of the insured population, which in turn would contribute to claims inflation and result in higher insurance premiums. The number of people who currently hold private health insurance is now 2.126 million, or 46% of the Irish population, (end Jan 2016). This includes an increase of 104,667 from January 2015 to January 2016 which contributes positively to controlling premium inflation.

We have a highly competitive insurance market. While I welcome the recent reduction in the number of products from 416 at end 2015 to 354 now, I agree that product proliferation is not in the interest of consumers. I have asked my officials to examine what supports could further reduce products. In the meantime many consumers can make savings on their health insurance premiums by taking advantage of promotional offers and by reviewing their level of cover to ensure that their needs are being met, without being over-insured. The Health Insurance Authority website offers a clear price comparison and can be accessed at www.hia.ie. All of the health insurers provide a number of lower cost plans, making it possible for consumers to find the same level of cover for a cheaper price.

Finally, I would remind the Deputy that Insurance companies operate as commercial providers and make their own commercial decisions including pricing policies. The Minister for Health has no legal power to intervene in relation to any insurer’s prices. You may wish to note however, that in the 12 months to end December 2015, the average gross premium received by insurers was €1,173, which represents a 2% decrease on the average premium received in 2014 (€1,200).