Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State. I do not believe an expectant mother will be able to get a private bed in a public hospital. However, it is heartening to note that so many consultants have bought into the public contract rather than the public-private one. A private patient may not get a private bed, although a consultant who takes on an expectant mother but who is not there for the delivery and the baby is delivered by a midwife still must be paid the fee. That is a little unfair and is something at which we must look if we are ever amending legislation.