Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I am more convinced than ever that Fine Gael was correct in tabling this motion. My party is in favour of private sector involvement in the health service and welcomes the provision of 1,000 additional private beds. However, we are asking whether this is the best way forward. The Members opposite are being disingenuous when they accuse us of opposing 1,000 new beds. Of course we welcome these beds, just as we welcome the prospect of competition in the health sector. However, will Members be able look back on this matter in 20 years time and say, "That was a good deal"? We are all aware of the M50 bridge fiasco. It is easy now for us to see that as a bad deal but will we be open to the same charge in respect of health care?

The Tánaiste referred to lease arrangements for the construction of private hospitals on public lands. What will happen once these leases are up? Will the State take the land back from the developer? This issue gives rise to uncertainty but we need to ask the questions now. The Comptroller and Auditor General has expressed his unhappiness with previous examples of misspending, such as the Beaumont Hospital carpark. That is why scrutiny and debates such as this are needed.

We have to ask ourselves whether the arrangement represents a good deal and, if so, for whom? Will it benefit taxpayers and patients? I became nervous when I heard a Member say that the arrangement won a ringing endorsement from a consultant. I would rather ordinary patients and taxpayers to consider it a great idea than to have it supported by consultants.

Senator Terry hit the nail on the head when she said the private sector will take part in the hope of making money. I do not blame the private sector for wanting to make profits but we must ask ourselves whether we are negotiating a bad deal on behalf of the public. The public interest does not refer to consultants and private developers but to taxpayers and patients. It is of great concern that these hospitals will not need licences to open.

If it costs €100 million to provide 100 public beds but €42 million for 100 beds, how will the shortfall be met? Patients will end up paying, even though they are already paying for private health insurance and, through their taxes, funding the public hospitals. The Tánaiste made no reference to these increased patient costs.

Senator Moylan referred to the nursing homes repayment scheme. I made a request under the Freedom of Information Act in that regard because the HSE advertised for people to administer the scheme but then re-advertised when it did not receive the applicants it wanted. If questions arise with regard to the ability of the HSE to administer the procurement process, I am not confident it can manage these major projects.

I look forward to support from all Members for my party's motion and hope Senators from Fianna Fáil will vote with their conscience this time.