The programme for Government states the Government plans to alleviate the burden of insurance costs. The Irish Independent reported today on a leaked draft plan from the Committee on the Future of Healthcare regarding tax credits for health insurance. The Minister spoke of the principle of protecting middle Ireland and those who pay for everything. Will he confirm that the Government will not remove the tax credits available to people with private health insurance who already pay a large amount of tax?

I discussed this matter with the Minister for Health this morning and I confirm the Government will not support any proposal to remove tax credits from people who pay private health insurance.