Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I take his point on excessive charges considering that the cost of a routine procedure exceeded €8,000. The procedure in question was a stenting of the heart. I take the Deputy's point that his constituents remain unhappy about the rate of the VHI charge. These are genuine concerns.

He asked what we are going to do. Of course we must try to do something about this. The Government and I are committed to bringing in dynamic changes to improve our public healthcare system under Sláintecare, ensuring that the right care is provided by the right person in the right place. Private hospitals have, and will continue to have, an important role in our national health system. In future, however, I hope patients will be able to make an informed choice between receiving care in a private hospital, using their health insurance or another payment method, and receiving care in a world-class public hospital system. That is our plan and what we intend to do. We must also examine the issue of cost. Patients and Deputy Lahart should note my focus must always be on the safety of the patient. If it costs a little extra to insure and to save a person's life, I will be strongly supportive of that position. Where public moneys are involved in public health services, there has to be accountability and transparency. Above all, we have to have a quality health service.

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