Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

I understand that the wards in Galway have not been closed because of an outbreak of flu. It would be possible to open a certain number of beds if cleaners were employed to ensure that hygiene standards are maintained to a high level. That would relieve significantly the pressure on the hospital. I do not know whether the Minister has studied the number of hospital beds which have closed throughout the country. It might be interesting to assess the capacity within our key services. The circumstances in Galway are unprecedented. The Minister's comment that the beds will be available at some time in the future is not a sufficient response to a crisis that has caused nurses to take to the streets at a time when they should be caring for their patients.

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