John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I move recommendation No. 8:

In page 50, before section 27, but in Chapter 4, to insert the following new section:

"27.—Section 268(A) of the Principal Act in the definition of 'qualifying hospital' is amended in paragraph (f) by inserting the words 'provides psychiatric services or' before 'contains facilities'.".

This recommendation relates to a provision in the Finance Bill whereby privately built medical centres and hospitals qualify for relief but not psychiatric hospitals. A number of Senators referred to this issue on Second Stage of the Bill. Senator Henry referred extensively to this issue in her remarks. This apparent oversight happened when the Bill was drafted.

It has been brought to my attention by Deputy Jim O'Keeffe, the Fine Gael spokesperson for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in the other House, that the State incurs significant annual costs through the provision of facilities for problem youngsters. It was suggested that this relief scheme which is in place could be extended to cover the private provision of facilities in this area. Why are psychiatric facilities not included? Will the Minister of State explain why these facilities are treated differently from other medical facilities?