Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Senator Ó Clochartaigh suggests this presages a privatised model. It is very important to have some sense of proportion when we debate these issues. It is not a question of introducing a privatised model. I do not accept that is the implication of what is being done. It is an enabling provision to allow the HSE, in circumstances which might arise in the future, to enter into an arrangement with a person under which that person may perform any part of its functions.

Often when we debate the public provision of health services, the extreme ends of the debate and certain commentators are inclined to think anything provided in the public sector is bad and that private sector provision is always superior. I profoundly and strongly disagree with that. Equally, there is no point in suggesting there are no circumstances in which it is prudent or efficient to have something provided in the private sector.

We have to have a sense of proportion. There are circumstances in which it makes sense. I say this as a social democrat, and somebody who believes in strong funding for public provision. We cannot say there are never circumstances in which services could prudently and efficiently be provided in the private sector. That is simply not sustainable.