Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

We are continuing to do that. They are in several locations around the country. There is €200 million on the capital programme for this year which has been allocated. We have increased the number of beds. I was answering about the difficulties in the delayed discharges. The reality is we have recently provided 200 contracted beds in private nursing homes, 180 of which were in Dublin. They have now been filled. We are far from cutting back on this issue. We have seen the phased opening of facilities at St. Mary's and Cherry Orchard Hospital and, between them, they will provide 170 beds. These facilities require staff and additional resources. Given the significant number of beds planned for this year and the associated recruitment involved, every unit will require additional staff. While the HSE must manage its budget, this will not stop the extension and development of services in new locations. The House should take account of this aspect.

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