MSF, the union which represents the majority of staff working for the Voluntary Health Insurance Board (VHI), has welcomed the publication of the Government's White Paper on private health insurance. However, it says the State should invest at least £70 million in the board, rather than the £50 million to £60 million envisaged, to prepare it for privatisation.

Its members also want "an equal say" with other stakeholders in planning the future for the organisation. This could include involvement in discussions on a strategic alliance and some form of employee share option scheme.

MSF regional organiser, Mr Brian Gallagher, said the union believed substantial investment is required to secure the future of the VHI. "The existing customers of VHI have made a major investment in order to provide for their own future medical needs. It is vital that this investment is secured through a cash injection of £70 million," he said.

"We believe that the Government should provide this injection, given the current strength of the national finances."

"Partnership 2000 calls for the acceptance by employers, including management and shareholders, of employees as stakeholders with rights and interests to be considered in the context of major decisions affecting their employment. In this context, while recognising that the final decision over the VHI's future lies with the Minister for Health, MSF is pleased to announce the commencement of a formal partnership arrangement with the VHI.

"Our requirement, under this partnership arrangement, goes beyond the process of consideration of the alternative options for the organisation's future. Partnership 2000 makes it clear that any desired strategic outcome for the VHI can only be achieved with concomitant `ownership' on the part of the staff."