Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

Does the Minister still plan to go ahead with these projects, especially in view of the fact that her own expert working group under Ms Frances Ruane stated, on page 51 of its report, there is a surplus of private hospital space and a shortage of public hospital space? Why is the Minister proceeding with this project despite the fact there is officially a surplus of private hospital space? God knows, we need all the tax we can get to fund vital public services in the years ahead and obviously tax will be forgone if these projects go ahead.

I read a report in the Irish Medical Times of 20 August which stated specifically that the Beacon Medical Group has submitted a proposed contract amendment, essentially to have a way out clause in order that the risk to the private company involved in the case would be less than that contained in the original plan. Will the Minister assure Members there will not be a change to the original proposals? At this stage does the Minister accept we do not need any more private hospital beds and that what we need is funding for the public hospital service?

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