Mr. Stephen Mulvany:

The Deputy has raised a few points. We have not increased the income target for private maintenance income, which is the target that is set for all the hospitals, in the past two years, partly because it would not be prudent to do so given the difficulties we are having with private insurers and their campaigns, and other actions. It is important to note that the private income charge is a legislation-based charge. Once somebody is covered by the charge, the hospital has to levy it and pursue it.