The Irish Medical Organisation has signalled its support for the co-location plan but said safeguards must be put in place to ensure that investment will continue into public hospitals.
The group, which represents hospital consultants, says there must be a Government guarantee that they will provide the funding shortfall in public hospitals.
It says the shortfall will be created by removing private patients.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio's Morning Ireland, Dr Sean Tierney from the IMO said there should be a single waiting list for public and private patients where they are prioritised on the basis of need.
