Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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128. To ask the Minister for Health if he will amend the lifetime community rating regulations in order that serving members of the Defence Forces do not feel obliged to buy health insurance which they do not need in order to avoid premium loadings in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4666/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Private health insurance in Ireland is optional and, similar to any other individual or groups in Ireland, there is no statutory obligation on members of the Defence Forces to purchase private health insurance plans. Where people choose to purchase private health insurance, the application of loadings under LCR applies consistently to all residents of the State, whether purchased during periods of employment or during retirement.

A review of the Lifetime Community Rating regulations, after 30 April 2017, is provided for in the legislation. The independent regulator, the Health Insurance Authority (HIA), has already commenced its public consultation process as the first phase of its review. A consultation paper to inform and assist those who may wish to make a submission can be viewed on its website www.hia.ie. Proposals will be accepted before the deadline of 3 March 2017. When the HIA concludes its review and submits its report to me, I will consider any recommendations made with an open mind.