Subsidising private beds may backfire

WRESTING control of Ireland’s two-tier health service from the powerful vested interests of hospital consultants is one of the biggest challenges facing Tánaiste and Health Minister Mary Harney.

At first glance, the announcement that 1,000 hospital beds will be freed up for public patients as private customers are moved to brand-new facilities looks a significant step towards that goal.

But whether it is or not is open to debate and no doubt the minister will be accused of taking with one hand and giving with the other.