Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I want to associate myself and my party with Deputy Jan O'Sullivan's remarks. While it may not be relevant to a health insurance Bill, it is important every effort is made by this House to demonstrate the Minister's folly in proceeding, with a certain vigour, with co-location. It will do no more than compound the already unequal and unfair health system our public is asked to enjoy. Since she first took the job three years ago, it is an issue that has taken her time, energy and determination to the detriment of the national health service, patient well-being and welfare. It must be stopped.

I urge the Minister of State, Deputy Smith, to demonstrate to the Minister for Health and Children the inequity involved by accepting this amendment. It is remarkable to see in today's newspapers the hypocrisy of certain Government members on this issue. No less a figure than the former Minister for Health and Children and now Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, is actively leading the opposition to co-located facilities in his native city, Cork.

We are told it is Government policy but some days it is appropriate and suitable for Fianna Fáil Cabinet members while other days they have difficulties with it. It is extraordinary that Fianna Fáil is buying the ideological drive of the Progressive Democrats which is fundamentally unfair to the people.

I refer the Minister of State to the co-location contract signed for Beaumont Hospital. A private, for-profit establishment will be constructed on lands for which planning permission was already issued for a psychiatric unit. This planned unit would have relieved the strained and difficult circumstances residents at St. Ita's psychiatric hospital in Portrane must endure. It had been agreed at HSE level to relocate St. Ita's residents to a newly constructed facility at Beaumont. However, the unacceptable and poor Victorian facilities at Portrane will continue indefinitely while the private commercially driven hospital, as proposed by the Progressive Democrats and Fianna Fáil, takes its place in Beaumont. Members of this House should take every opportunity to ensure that we have a fair and equal health system and that we do not support the Minister's American-driven crusade for profit and against the public interest. I support Deputy O'Sullivan's amendment.

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