Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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Question 522: To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding his proposals on bed re-designation in public hospitals; if primary legislation is required to effect these changes; when this legislation will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30321/12]

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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Question 523: To ask the Minister for Health if he has consulted with all relevant stakeholders, including private health insurers on the proposal to re-designate beds in public hospitals; the response from such stakeholders; if he has carried out a cost-benefit analysis and/or public consultation in relation to this proposal; if he will publish same; if not, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30322/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 522 and 523 together. A significant proportion of private patients who are provided with treatment by a public hospital are not currently charged for the services because of the current rules on bed designation. In contrast, the public hospitals' consultants receive private fees even where the hospital cannot levy its maintenance charge. This represents a loss of income to the public hospital system and a significant subsidy to private insurance companies.

It is intended to introduce new arrangements to allow public hospitals to raise charges in respect of all private patients in public hospitals. My officials are carefully examining the potential implications of different approaches to achieving this significant change in policy. Once a final policy decision has been taken I will be in a position to determine precisely what primary legislation, if any, will be required. I would like to advise the Deputy that I established the Health Insurance Consultative Forum this year which includes representatives of the country's three main insurers, the Health Insurance Authority and the Department. This provides a forum for engagement and consideration of, amongst other things, issues relating to bed charges and income collection, and the implementation of Universal Health Insurance. I consider that the new system of charging will be fairer and is in keeping with the changes required along the road to Universal Health Insurance.