Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am very sorry to hear about the experience of Jack and Aisling, but we have done trolley counts in children's hospitals for a long time now, perhaps ten or 20 years. Thankfully, it is a much less common experience than in our adult hospitals but it happens in the winter period in particular. A new children's hospital is under construction and, in a few weeks' time, I will able to tell the Deputy that it will be open next year. I look forward to being able to say that and to see it happening. Contrary to what has been said, if you take the entire bed complement, including the day beds, there has been a significant increase in capacity. It will be in addition to the satellite units in Blanchardstown and Tallaght and will make a big difference for the better.

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