Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health his views on a matter regarding waiting lists for those holding a medical card (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38745/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Under the current eligibility system the Health Service Executive makes available in-patient services and out-patient services, including consultant services, for persons with full and limited eligibility. Under the existing system, a patient may elect to be treated privately by the hospital consultant, whereupon the patient is liable for all consultant fees and hospital charges, if any. The relationship between a consultant and his private patient is a matter of private contract between the doctor and the patient. The Minister has no role in relation to this relationship. The Government is committed to implementing a comprehensive programme of health reform, the ultimate objective of which is to ensure equal access to healthcare based on need, not income. This objective will be achieved through a single-tier health service supported by universal health insurance.