Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I take the Deputy's point on the practical effects on patients of the conditions and will bring it back to the Minister, Deputy Harris. Eight new beds will be opened and that is an important step in the right direction. We must ensure that we are able to deal with the bed capacity issue. On 9 September last, when the Minister and the Government introduced the winter initiative plan 2016-17. we managed to get €40 million of additional funding. That is from where the funding for the eight beds in the hospital to which the Deputy refers came. The initiative has developed and has managed to deal with the winter surge, which gave rise to major difficulties. St. Luke's Hospital also announced a number of enhanced measures, particularly targeting acute capacity in primary and community care. These are designed to alleviate the significant demands involved.

According to the figures I have been given for the area, some 1,586 babies were born in 2015, while the figure for 2016 was 1,467. As Deputy Funchion said, however, there has been a recent increase in the population in Carlow-Kilkenny. We must adapt services for those changing circumstances. I take that point on board.

I will bring the issue raised by Deputy Funchion back to the Minister. I will also make representations to the hospital management to see exactly what is going on there. As we all know, health services have suffered from underfunding for many years. We also know, however, that we have started this year with a major investment of €500 million for services. That is a start and it is also part of a catching-up process. That reality must be faced, so I will be pushing that initiative. I will bring all the Deputy's concerns to the attention of the Minister.

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