Press Release: Insurance: Commission requests Ireland to abolish exemption of Irish Voluntary Health Insurance Board from EU rules

The European Commission has decided to formally request Ireland to abolish the exemption of the Irish Voluntary Health Insurance Board (VHI) from certain EU rules on non-life insurance. This follows a complaint to the Commission alleging that the VHI is unlawfully pursuing insurance activities without being subject to the First Non-Life Insurance Directive. The Commission's request takes the form of a 'reasoned opinion', the second stage of the infringement procedure under Article 226 of the EC Treaty. If there is no satisfactory reply within two months, the Commission may refer the matter to the European Court of Justice.