Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

We will not be involved in a situation where we undermine our own position. We will proceed with the private hospitals' initiative because that is Government policy. We will also ensure that as projects seek approval, my Department will be consulted in the normal way. The arrangements in place for capital appraisal guidelines, which apply to all Departments in respect of all projects of a required level, will be dealt with in the normal way.

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