Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I ask the Ceann Comhairle to have a little respect and allow me at least to finish my first sentence. As I was about to indicate, the commitment is limited to projects already committed to under existing contractual agreements. What is the position of the co-location scheme, which did not present during the Taoiseach's previous capacity as Minister for Health in the way it has under the stewardship of the current Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney? On a number of occasions, the Taoiseach confirmed the statement of the Minister that the purpose and intent of the scheme is to free up beds in the public hospital system by opening up beds in associated private, co-located facilities.

In the recent period of cutbacks, an estimated 1,000 beds have been closed in the public hospital system as a result of patients being moved from long-term care. This should have allowed for these beds-----

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