Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I think there will always be private hospitals. To be honest, from a public healthcare perspective it can be useful to be able to dip into additional capacity from time to time when it is needed and if there is a shortage. However, it should be the exception rather than the rule.

I hear what the Deputy is saying but I do not agree with the Deputy's language. It is a little unfair. I have met people who are providing health insurance - the State owns the main health insurer, VHI - from the chair of the board and the CEO down, and I would not accept the Deputy's charge.

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