The provision of private care in public acute hospitals has been a long standing feature of the Irish health care system and the consultants' common contract includes a provision to allow consultants treat private patients in public hospitals. On average 20% of beds in public hospitals have been designated as private accommodation. The income from private and semi-private accommodation charges is approximately €160 million per annum. The reduction of the designation to 10% would therefore cost approximately €80 million. Issues relating to private practice on public hospital sites are under review by my Department.