Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is a broader question than that. I am not sure what the Deputy's view was or what the views of many Members of the House were when the State invested €266 million in the Mater hospital to provide new state-of-the-art facilities, a hospital that is not in the ownership of the State. There are approximately 17 hospitals in the State that are either voluntary or joint board hospitals. There is also the National Rehabilitation Hospital. There are a number of hospitals that have not been owned by the State and at which Governments of various political colours sanctioned projects. As I have described it previously, we have a rich tapestry when it comes to ownership. There are a number of religious and non-religious voluntary hospitals. The reason I want to have a broader discussion is that we need to identify the impact of the Deputy's statement, namely, that the State can only invest in what it owns. That may be desirable but it would not be without consequence. It would be quite significant and have an impact on the overall health budget. On the building of a new national maternity hospital, the position is somewhat different. I take the issue of ownership as being very important in that regard and have heard many people speak very clearly on the issue. The views of members of the public are quite clear. I hope to be able to report progress on it shortly.

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