Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising the ongoing challenges. We understand the impact these statistics have on all of the individuals and families involved. A huge amount of work is under way to make progress, in particular in UHL where we know there have been real problems. The Minister and HSE have put a real focus on the hospital and have provided supports. Nationally, we have expanded bed capacity. Ultimately, we need to do that. We have an ageing and a growing population. We have delivered almost 1,000 new acute hospital beds and more than 400 community beds. Ennis General Hospital is an operational matter for the HSE and I do not have the details to hand of what it has proposed in that regard. I will ask the Minister to consult the HSE and come back to the Deputy.

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