The government is being called on to defer plans to increase the levy on health insurance premiums by 40% in a bid to stem the wave of people giving up health insurance.

Fianna Fail has tabled a Dail motion calling on the government to defer the proposed hike in the levy due to take effect from the end of March.

It is also calling for children to be exempted from the levy.

The levy for an adult is now €285 and €95 for a child.

Fianna Fail health spokesman is Billy Kelleher. He says the costs are too high for families.