Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, but they are not all employed by the HSE. That is my point. I take the point the Deputy makes. I do not, nor will I, accept as an excuse from anyone working in the health service at any level that asking the HSE to adhere to two separate legal requirements is something beyond its capabilities.

The HSE is an implementer of law, not a maker of law. If the Oireachtas wants to change the law, it can change the law. The law at the moment in respect of collecting private income is such as it is and the legal situation with the contracts is such as it is. I do not believe it is unreasonable for me as Minister to expect, pending any changes these Houses may wish to introduce in line with Sláintecare or anything else, that the HSE can get on with it and satisfy both.