Mary Henry (Independent)

I do not wish to be accused of straying.

I second the amendment. It is much better to have openness in this area. Commercial sensitivity is pleaded far too frequently including with regard to the National Treatment Purchase Fund. I got that point in before the Cathaoirleach stopped me. One knows the ire caused by the fact one cannot find out what are the costs of various procedures and operations because it is considered commercially sensitive.

Not unnaturally, public hospitals feel they are shabbily treated. If they were given more funds they might be able to do at a much reduced rate what is done in private hospitals. We still have the spectacle of consultants from public hospitals in a position to carry out procedures in private hospitals or in public hospitals on Saturday mornings under the National Treatment Purchase Fund.

We must consider the economics of these issues and stop talking about matters being commercially sensitive. Senator Ryan brought up a good point. I accept the Minister of State's amendment goes some way towards ameliorating the situation. Perhaps he will also consider Senator Ryan's amendment.