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

I take the Deputy’s important points. We have to strongly focus on this issue.

The hospital has made a submission to HSE’s National Hospitals Office on the reopening of the six closed beds. The office supported the NRH submission within the context of the Estimates process for 2019. The HSE’s operational service improvement division has also sought to reopen the six beds for the winter planning process for 2018 and 2019. However, such considerations will only be concluded by October and November this year. If successful, the beds will be reopened after this date.

However, the HSE continues to liaise closely with the hospital on the bed capacity issue. I will strongly focus on this because I accept the Deputy’s arguments on the need for services for children with disabilities.

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