Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are 740,000 people over 65. Within eight years, it will be 1 million people. Some 50% of all hospital beds at any one time are occupied by over-65s. What review of policy will be undertaken to ensure we have an adequate number of hospital beds over the coming years? What progress is being made with regard to the elective hospital in Cork? The report on this has gone to the Minister for Health. My understanding is the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform also has to sign off on it. Here we are, still without a site identified or a timescale. Even if it was announced in the morning, the Taoiseach must accept that it will take us three years at least before a sod will be turned, unless we make a decision on this matter. What is the timeframe for the announcement and building works?

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