Brussels, 16/11/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 14 November, the European Commission decided to send Ireland a 'reasoned opinion' letter formally requesting it to abolish the exemption of the Irish Voluntary Health Insurance Board (VHI) from the Non-Life Insurance Directive (73/239/EC, see EUROPE 9532). The Commission explains in a press release that 'in the light of legal and commercial developments since its exemption was granted in 1973,' from Directive 73/239/EC that VHI 'can no longer be considered to fulfil the requirements for exemption under the Directive.' The Commission explains: 'It is clear from the number of amendments to the relevant legislation introduced in 1996, 1998 and 2001 that the capacity of the VHI has changed significantly.' If there is no satisfactory reply within two months, the Commission may refer the matter to the European Court of Justice. (M.B.)