Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 36: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when contracts for private hospitals on public lands will be signed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11998/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 153: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when contracts for private hospitals on public lands will be signed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12270/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 153 together.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) is at an advanced stage in a public procurement process in relation to the co-location of private hospitals on the sites of public hospitals.

I understand that the HSE proposes to issue Invitations To Tender to the shortlisted bidders in the next few days and that tenders are to be returned by the end of April. The HSE will then evaluate the tenders and the successful bidders should be selected in May. Following that a "stand still" period of 2 weeks is required by procurement law before Project Agreements can be signed with the successful bidders.