Phil Prendergast (Labour)

I would like to support Senator Feeney's request for clarity in this area. It was pointed out on Second Stage that patients going into hospital for maternity care cannot access a private room and therefore pay the hospital the money due for the room unless they are private patients of the consultant. This is a widespread anomaly throughout the country. It is an extremely narrow-minded view on the collection of funds by the hospitals. It is a massive resource that is not being exploited and is widespread practice.