asked the Minister for Health if he intends to provide a separate unit for private patients in the public hospital building at Beaumont; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Beaumont (Dublin) Hospital.
532.
I am prepared to approve of the designation of a unit of 70 beds within Beaumont Hospital, together with appropriate beds in the specialised units in the hospital, as private and semi-private beds within the framework of the public hospital. With regard to the provision of private out-patient accommodation, I have also indicated that I am prepared to provide a facility with approximately 20 consulting rooms and ancillary accommodation for use as private consulting rooms, again within the framework of the hospital subject to an agreement with the consultants concerned on appropriate payment in respect of the facility.