Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to ask Dr. Carr a question. I was always under the assumption that one would only be in hospital if one was sick, would only get a hip replacement if one required a new hip or would only get a stent if that was necessary. The issue is not a question of ten or 100 beds. One would hardly fill 100 beds with people just for the craic. They must have a reason to be there. Is Dr. Carr suggesting that, if there is a vacant bed, someone will be given a new hip even if it is not necessary, just to fill the bed? Why does demand increase just because there are more beds? I would assume that having three or four competitors would reduce the price of beds, hip replacements, etc., for insurers as well as premium holders.