Press Release: Insurance: Commission refers Ireland to Court of Justice over exemption of Irish Voluntary Health Insurance Board (VHI) from EU rules

The European Commission decided to refer Ireland to the European Court of Justice over the exemption of the Irish Voluntary Health Insurance Board (VHI) from certain EU rules on non-life insurance. The referral followed the 'complementary reasoned opinion' sent to Ireland in November 2008, which requested Ireland once again to establish compliance with EU law. This followed a complaint to the Commission alleging that the VHI is unlawfully pursuing insurance activities without being subject to the First Non-Life Insurance Directive in particular.

Ireland: Department of Health and Children: Press Release, 25.6.09: Department of Health and Children responds to European Commission decision http://www.dohc.ie/press/releases/2009/20090625b.html

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