Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their submission. In it, they make reference to staffing levels, which have decreased by 12.9% since 2007, and the number of acute hospital beds, which has fallen by 13%. Hospitals operate at an average of 92.6% capacity, which is well above the 85% capacity rate. Do the witnesses agree with hospital consultants on the need for more beds in acute hospitals? The usual response to such a suggestion is that medical science will obviate the need for more hospital beds and community care. I come from the viewpoint that, to date, no programme we have introduced has reduced the number of bed occupancy rates, and I would like to hear the views of the witnesses on this because it would form a very important part of our plan over the next ten years.