Professor David Keegan:

I cannot speak for other private hospitals. I have not looked for that information. I do not know what happens across other disciplines. In areas like cardiothoracics and orthopaedics, there are a lot of referrals from the North. More recently, we have been asked to manage vitreoretinal cases, that is, diabetic patients with haemorrhages, macular oedema or retinal detachments that have been referred to us. We have also dealt with cataracts.

We have to look at our capacity. A lot of work is not being taken on due to issues with capacity. The manner in which the HSE is deploying private hospitals to try to help with the public waiting lists is also an issue. That is due to end shortly. The priority will be on helping in that regard. The number is sizeable enough. I do not have the exact figures for the Deputy on the number of patients who come to the Mater Private Hospital through that route, but I can get them for him. The pathway exists back the other way.