Can the Minister tell us why he will not allow private hospital facilities to be built on the campus since many people would like to pay for their own private health care to relieve the Exchequer which appears to be very hard pressed?

Basically it is a matter of the control of resources. I hold the view that if hospital consultants wish to cater for private patients it is their privilege to do so. In relation to Beaumont where seven acres were sought, or Tallaght where a slice of the campus site was also sought, I do not believe public money should be used. A major public hospital should be on a public, integrated and unified basis for the people at large. That will be generally accepted.

Surely the Minister must accept that it is in the interests of good health care and healthy economics that, if consultants want to build their own private hospital on a campus, they should be allowed to do so?

Not in terms of availing of public funds. That is the issue.

In terms of good health care.