Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Nov 1992

Vol. 424 No. 8

Written Answers. - Public Hospital Services Promotion.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

192 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if, having regard to a recent report (details supplied), he has asked the public hospitals to promote their services abroad in order to generate more income for the health services; the type of services he has in mind; and if he will give an assurance that the operation of these services will not interfere with the provision of services to eligible Irish patients.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

I have not specifically directed the health agencies to promote their services abroad. However, I do believe that agencies should make their expertise available both here and abroad to organisations who are willing to pay for the use of such skills; the resultant additional income would help to maintain and develop the high quality of our services. The potential for such income generation will be discussed with the health agencies in the context of an intensified value for money programme for 1993. The appropriate organisational arrangements through which such an initiative could be launched and supported will also be discussed with the agencies.

Services which could be promoted would include laboratory and other diagnostic, facilities, staff training and development, strategic and operational consultancies, project management and organisation development.

I see no reason why services should be affected by action to promote sales of services provided there is agreement between my Department and the agencies on the arrangements for co-ordination, marketing, release and replacement of staff, and utilisation of the net income generated.