asked the Minister for Health if it is proposed to provide VHI insurance for maternity costs for non-manual workers earning over £5,000 per annum, and for farmers of over £60 PLV, in the proposed revision of the VHI range of cover.

Arising out of proposals for changes in eligibility for health services the Voluntary Health Insurance Board agreed to include in their scheme a substantial provision for maternity care. The details have not yet been fully settled but the board will give adequate notice of their proposals.

Is it a fact that the Voluntary Health Insurance Board have undertaken to provide a scheme of cover for the category referred to in the previous question, manual workers earning over £5,000?

The Voluntary Health Insurance Board's scheme will apply to the whole population.

Will they make the scheme for maternity and consultants' services available to non-manual workers earning over £5,000 a year?

To everybody, yes. To the whole population.

The Minister will be aware that the VHI have not yet said that publicly?

They said that to me. It will be done. The Deputy need not worry. The Voluntary Health Insurance Board will bring in a scheme for maternity benefit for the first time ever. They will also abolish the age limit for new entrants, the waiting period and the restriction on existing illnesses.

For all categories?

For everybody.

Over £5,000?

Yes, or under £5,000.

The Minister should be aware there is an element of public doubt about it.

There should not be.