Feargal Quinn (Independent)

We must find a way to solve this. The other matter relating to prices and costs that really worries me is the report today that the cost of private health care will increase dramatically by 25%. I read in this morning's newspaper that the chief executive officer of the Beacon Medical Group said that our health insurance is too cheap and does not cover the cost of what is being provided. He and others are saying that the cost of private health care will have to increase by 25% at a time when the objective should be to bring costs down. We are told the reason for this is the co-location of hospitals. If that is the reason the cost of health care is increasing, the objective should be the opposite.

I am concerned we are not focusing on the objective. I am impressed by the remarks of Senator Regan. He might have been critical of the Government but we need a credible plan and I do not believe we are focused on that at present.