Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 October 2006
111 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of sites on the grounds of public hospitals that she has identified for the construction of private hospitals; the estimated market value of the sites; the financial terms under which the sites will be disposed of to the private sector; the bed capacity of the proposed private sector development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34943/06]
View answerThe HSE is currently engaged in a procurement process with the private sector to build and operate private hospitals on 10 public hospital sites. This will enable up to 1,000 beds in public hospitals, which are currently used by private patients, to be re-designated for use by public patients. Proposals will be subject to detailed evaluation by the HSE. The procedure will also provide for a rigorous value for money assessment of any proposal and will take account of the value of the public site and the cost of any tax foregone. Any transaction will be on a commercial basis and will fully protect the public interest. In addition, there will be full adherence to public procurement law and best practice.
