Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I asked a specific question about bed capacity. I would like to hear the views of witnesses, particularly of the CEOs, about whether the problem of bed capacity is due to a lack of staff. Are the beds physically available and waiting to be opened? We are aware that in Donegal there will be a downgrading of beds in Ramelton, Lifford and Stranorlar. As that is happening Mr. Carter has said there are capacity issues in Dublin. I argue there is a capacity issue all over the country. I ask the Saolta group to confirm whether the downgradings will go ahead and if the beds will be closed and lost to the system.

Is the capacity issue due to staffing only? Do we need to build more facilities to hold the beds? Is there enough space available with beds but we simply need staff?