Private Health Care.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 February 2005

Thursday, 10 February 2005

Ceisteanna (74)

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

60 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans for private investment in the hospital sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4220/05]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I believe the private sector has a significant part to play in contributing to the provision of additional capacity in the acute hospitals system.

My Department is in the process of developing an overall policy framework on the provision of private facilities on public hospital sites. This will identify the policy issues which need to be addressed and the key criteria to be applied in assessing proposals for such facilities. I expect this to be completed in a matter of weeks.