Ms Angela Fitzgerald:

The 55 originally included provision of ten in Naas, 12 in Tullamore and 15 in Waterford. Regrettably, due to the ongoing challenges of attracting in Naas and Waterford because of bed closures funding was redirected and in simple terms it was given to open beds in Galway. The latter has now opened 28 beds instead of the beds that were to open in Naas and Waterford. The beds in Beaumont included in the original 55 have been opened. The 18 beds in Mercy University Hospital, which were not in the 55 because they are step-down beds, have also been opened. Seven of the original 55 beds have been opened in Mullingar and 15 beds have opened in the Mater hospital. Originally our intention was to do a collaboration with the Mater Private Hospital. We had to accept that in the short term the Mater Private Hospital could not meet the needs required on a continuous basis and funding was redirected to provide for 15 beds in the Mater hospital. This gives a total of 78 beds. The intention is to open 12 beds in Tullamore in February. They will open between mid February and the end of that month. I would be happy to give the Deputy a written report on this if she wishes.