Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Some of us mere politicians strongly opposed the reduction in bed numbers precisely because we would not have sufficient capacity to meet the situation, particularly in the context of an increased population. The next thing we come to is care in the community and in the home. I have always held the view that it will take at least twice, if not three times, as many staff to operate care in the home effectively. I accept it is an admirable approach to take and we should aspire to it. Such an approach is far and away the best for patients. However, how achievable is it in the present environment?