Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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194. To ask the Minister for Health the studies and processes that are ongoing within his Department to remove private patients from public hospitals; the way in which the financial gap will be addressed on implementation of this policy; if it will take ten years to implement same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6517/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I have asked Dr. Donal de Buitléir to chair an Independent Review Group to conduct an impact analysis and review of removing private practice from public hospitals. The Group held its first meeting on 14 December 2017 and is considering issues such as:

- The existing nature, level and role of private practice in public hospitals;

- The negative and positive aspects of private practice in public hospitals, including as regards access to healthcare, equity and the operation of public hospitals;

- What practical approaches might be taken to the removal of private practice from public hospitals, including timeframe and phasing;

- Possible impacts, both direct and indirect, immediate and over time, of removing private practice from public hospitals, including but not limited to impacts on: access; hospital activity (including specialist services); funding; recruitment and retention of personnel; and any legal or legislative issues that might arise.

I have asked the Group to complete its work and report by September 2018.