Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 132: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position in regard to co-location; if discussions have been finalised and contracts signed in all cases; the full list of hospitals or other institutions expected to be affected by the proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17620/07]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of tenders accepted by the Health Service Executive since the dissolution of the 29th Dáil, for private for-profit hospitals to be located on public hospital lands; the number of beds planned in each of the private hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17451/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 132 together.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) issued Invitations to Tender for St James, Beaumont, Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Sligo issued on 19th April 2007 in respect of the co-location initiative. The bids for the six sites were returned on 17 May 2007. It is expected that the HSE will appoint the successful bidders following HSE Board approval at the beginning of July. The Invitation to Tender for Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown issued on 11th June 2007. The Board of Tallaght Hospital agreed, on 22nd June, to continue its participation in the initiative.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 134: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will conduct an urgent debate in respect of the public and private ownership of hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17705/07]

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether proposals to change public policy on such a scale, such as that suggested under the plan for hospital co-location, should be subject to rigorous analysis and debate; when this analysis and debate will take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17695/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 139 together.

The co-location initiative has been the subject of lengthy debates in the House this week, both during Private Members Time and yesterday's Question Time. I believe that it has been demonstrated, beyond all doubt, that co-location will deliver huge benefits for public patients. Co-location is essentially about improving access for public patients to beds in public hospitals which are currently used by private patients. It will make available 1,000 beds for public patients faster and more cost effectively than traditional means. The result will be better access to acute hospital services for public patients.

In relation to the question of hospital ownership, I would point out that many of our major hospitals, particularly in Dublin, are privately owned rather than State-owned institutions. In my experience, patients who are sick and in need of hospital treatment are not unduly concerned about whether the hospital that can best provide that care is publicly or privately owned. What is of far more concern is the quality of treatment available and how quickly he or she can access it. My objectives are to ensure timely access for patients and high quality services and I believe that co-location will assist in achieving those objectives.