John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 162: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the current designation of public-private beds within the health system; and the cost likely to be incurred by reducing the proportion of private beds to 10%. [13604/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The provision of private care in public acute hospitals has been a long standing feature of the Irish health care system and the consultants' common contract includes a provision to allow consultants treat private patients in public hospitals. On average 20% of beds in public hospitals have been designated as private accommodation. The income from private and semi-private accommodation charges is approximately €160 million per annum. The reduction of the designation to 10% would therefore cost approximately €80 million. Issues relating to private practice on public hospital sites are under review by my Department.