Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

The Minister announced this proposal in 2004 and she said it would be a quick way to provide beds in acute hospitals. Does she accept she has failed miserably in this regard? Five years later, no block has been laid, no bed has been provided and no patient has been catered for and none will be for probably two years. The Minister did not reply to the question about when the first beds will become available. This is not fast provision of beds. Will she comment on that?

Does she accept the finding of the expert report relating to Beacon Hospital that health insurance will increase by approximately 25% as a result of this scheme? Has she amended the conditions for the funding of co-located hospitals? Various media have reported on pressure on the Department to make it easier for investors to obtain funding from banks and to provide fewer safeguards for the public purse in this regard. Does she plan to make changes? Will the hospital projects proceed?

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