1275. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health her plans to ensure that the reduction of income to public maternity hospitals as a result of the ending of private maternity care will be offset and not result in a reduction in hospital budgets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64946/26]

The Government remains fully committed to the implementation of Sláintecare and to the delivery of a health service that provides equitable access to care based on need rather than ability to pay.

A key element of this reform programme has been the introduction of the Public-Only Consultant Contract (POCC), which supports the separation of public and private care in public hospitals and increases the availability of consultant-delivered care for public patients. The contract has been a significant success, with approximately 70% of the consultant workforce now employed on the Public-Only Consultant Contract.

In this regard, the 2026 Estimates include provision of €100 million to address the private income shortfall arising from the ongoing implementation of Government policy in this area. This funding will support the continued provision of services and assist hospitals in managing the transition associated with the reduction in private patient income.

Funding allocations to individual hospitals and hospital groups are a matter for the HSE through the National Service Plan and associated budgetary processes. However, neither my Department nor the HSE intends that hospitals should experience a reduction in patient services as a consequence of the implementation of Sláintecare reforms relating to private care.

The position will continue to be monitored closely to ensure that maternity hospitals and other public hospitals are appropriately funded to meet service demands while progressing the objectives of Sláintecare.