Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 282: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the privatisation of health care services will only result in additional costs being passed on to patients and their families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24654/05]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 283: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the delivery, running and operation of hospitals and health services cannot be done more efficiently in the private sector than in the public sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24655/05]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 284: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the operation of hospitals and the provision of health services by the private sector involves additional costs over the public sector, in such areas as billing, marketing and paying shareholders, that make private sector operators less efficient; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24656/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 282 to 284, inclusive, together.

I am unclear as to what the Deputy means by the privatisation of health care services. The health strategy, Quality and Fairness — A Health System for You, indicated that the Government was committed to exploring fully the scope for the private sector to provide additional capacity, and that additional capacity would be provided by a combination of public and private providers. A policy direction has recently issued to the Health Service Executive which is aimed at freeing up additional beds for public patients in public hospitals through the development of private hospital facilities on public hospital sites.

I have no direct function with regard to the operation of hospitals and health services provided by the private sector or their cost structures.