Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)

I wish to share time with Deputy Neville.

The Fine Gael Party has no problem with private medicine. General practice, where public and private patients are treated equally, is the most successful of the public private partnerships and many of our private hospitals work well.

I agree with Deputy McManus that the House needs to debate this motion. Two weeks ago, I wrote an article in one of the medical journals, the Irish Medical News, on the topic of private hospitals. I know the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, was made aware of the piece because her advisers inform her about everything written by Deputy McManus or me.

Given that the Minister chose not to answer any of the questions put to her, the Government cannot be accused of lying on this issue. Having listened to him give an economist's view of the health service, it is difficult to believe the Minister of State, Deputy Tim O'Malley, holds office in the Department of Health and Children.

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