James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

Part of any plan for a winter crisis is the ability to open beds that have been closed, if that is necessary. Rather than focusing on beds we should focus on service, the treatment of patients and the service they require. I have not entirely abandoned the possibility of re-opening beds.

Based on existing data, at the weekend of 3 April, some 961 beds - 927 inpatient beds and 34 day beds - were closed. The highest figure to date for 2011 was 1,098 beds closed on 9 January and the lowest number was 868 on 23 January. The situation is in flux. I am concerned, as is the Deputy, that people who need long-term care can avail of it. However, I am equally concerned that people who should not be going into long-term care and who would prefer to stay at home get the appropriate supports and are not condemned to unnecessary institutional care.

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