Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

First, I thank Deputy Twomey for his good wishes for the forthcoming election. I am not certain we will not have another health Question Time before the Taoiseach goes to the President to dissolve the Dáil. I return his compliments and wish him and all the spokespersons well in the election.

The purpose of this policy is to free up approximately 1,000 beds that are ring-fenced for private patients to use for public patients. The capital cost of providing these beds in a co-located facility is less than 50% of the traditional cost. The cost to the eight hospitals of not getting the money from the insurers is €96 million, as we heard yesterday from Mr. Finn. Therefore, we get 1,000 beds for €96 million. That is incredible value relative to the cost of financing beds. Of course, the reason for that is the nurses, the managers, the administrators, all the people who work with the diagnostics, etc. are already on the public payroll.

I do not understand an approach that favours capital allowances for private hospitals but not if they are beside public hospitals. The reason for this plan is to free up these beds. It is also to keep the doctors on site. It is not an efficient use of key manpower in the health care system to have doctors working in two, three or four hospitals. Travel time alone is an issue. There are a great many issues involved.

The idea here is that one is supposed to complement the other. In Waterford, Sligo and other places, as Deputy Twomey heard, they will use the same entrance. These hospitals, by virtue of the tax allowances, must make services available for public patients at a discounted price. They must accept all patients, not just private patients, from the accident and emergency department. There will be service level agreements between the public and private providers where they will work with each other. They will share profits with the public hospital. This is a win, win situation. That is why it is so strongly supported in all those hospitals.

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