Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

I note the reasons given in the correspondence. It is important that this Bill contains a measure to rule out tax incentives for private hospitals and private nursing homes. We know the situation with regard to public hospitals. We heard the announcements in the 2009 service plan on the cuts that will be made which, including the other €400 million, will amount to approximately €1 billion. At the same time the Government is providing tax incentives for private hospitals and not everyone can avail of such facilities. However, everyone must invest in them. If private hospitals want to exist, let them do so but they should not be funded by people earning just above the minimum wage who will never be able to avail of their services. I am disappointed that recommendation No. 3 cannot be pressed today but I recognise the ruling of the Cathaoirleach.