Dr. Mike O'Connor:

The views on capacity are very clear regarding what is required. It is a Government policy decision. Is there is a requirement for an elective space that is publicly owned? I would be entirely supportive of that, but, again, it is for the Government to decide. It is required that we go through a number of proposals that we need to bottom out which direction they are going to go in, because otherwise it will just go around in circles. The Deputy asked a direct question as to whether I would support an elective hospital for the people of the mid-west. Why would I not?