Tax Relief on Private Hospital Premiums
De Rossa argued that tax relief on VHI premiums subsidises patients using luxury private hospitals; the Minister said tax relief is a budgetary matter and defended individuals’ right to use the hospitals.
In relation to the question of subsidisation of patients in luxury private hospitals, I would like to ask the Minister to give his views on the subsidisation by PAYE taxpayers of patients in such luxury hospitals who are covered by VHI plans. That service is subsidised by tax refunds.
Comment on this
It is the right of individuals to use such hospitals if they so wish. No public moneys were expended on either hospital in the provision of the hospital buildings or in the provision of any of the equipment there.
Comment on this
Is the Minister not aware that the special premiums for these luxury hospitals are tax deductible by those who pay them? Is that not a subsidy by the taxpayers of those private luxury hospitals?
Comment on this
The question of tax relief on premiums paid for any insurance is a budgetary matter.
