James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In response to Deputy Naughten we already pay risk equalisation credits based on age, gender and the level of cover. The hospital bed utilisation charge is an additional credit in respect of health status. In 2014 we will work to expand the measurement of health status. The Deputy stated I will say this is a small amount of money by comparison to the true cost and of course I will because it is true. Anybody who has any business acumen would know it would not be a very clever business proposition to spend €800 or €850 on a bed to get €60 back. I reject the contention it is a problem from an ethos point of view. It is nothing of the sort.

With regard to Deputy Ó Caoláin's contribution, the issues he raised are not for the Bill, not for the section we are discussing, and not for the amendment. They are issues worthy of discussion at another forum at another time but not with regard to this.