Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I presume the question refers to allegations published in a number of newspapers regarding a company which has expressed an interest in operating private hospitals on the sites of public hospitals. The company in question has refuted the charges made in the newspaper articles.

The Health Service Executive is currently engaged in a public procurement process for the co-location of private hospitals on the sites of public hospitals. In view of this, I am not in a position to say anything further about any particular company which may be involved in bidding to build a private hospital on the site of a public hospital. However, I assure the House that bids will be subject to a thorough evaluation by the HSE. There will be a rigorous value for money assessment of any proposal and this will take account of the value of the public site and the cost of any tax expenditure. Any transaction will be on a commercial basis and will fully protect the public interest. In addition, there will be full adherence to public procurement law and best practice. This initiative is designed for one purpose, namely, to achieve up to 1,000 additional public beds at less than half the traditional capital cost. I am fully confident it will achieve this objective and our health services will be enhanced as a result.

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