Ms Angela Fitzgerald:

With the investment that has happened, the way services are being managed now is safer than it was. We know there is a close correlation between having enough capacity and being able to run a safe service, which means that investment needs to happen in the quickest possible timeframe. We spoke earlier of the 114 beds planned for the model 2 hospitals. They will also support the delivery of safe care. As for the third piece, we are not able to project exactly what impact it will have but there is no doubt the private hospital in Limerick will have some impact. Over 40% of the population hold private health insurance. The new contract requires that people with insurance will be treated off-site. That combination of factors will go towards meeting that projection but our report is saying there is a clear link between inadequate capacity and safe service so there is a need to invest and to continue to invest.