147 Dr. Lee asked the Minister for Health the reason the VHI refuse to give to their members the names of consultants who are on their treatment panel even on the direct request of the member concerned.

All medical consultants are recognised by VHI for benefit purposes. About half the consultants have entered into agreements with VHI not to charge patients in excess of the maximum benefits payable by VHI. The VHI have assured me that they are prepared to identify such consultants to their members on request.