Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for stealing my punchline because I am taking this question on behalf of Deputy Troy. I welcome the arrival of Maria Ginnell Troy, his daughter. It is an example of how, in very important times, we need hospital capacity.

I welcome the additional beds that the Government has brought on board and the significant funding. In the talk of cuts over recent weeks, I have heard no acknowledgement that funding has increased by nearly 40% over the lifetime of the Government. It is important that we press ahead, however. During the Covid pandemic, several planning derogations assisted with the delivery of hospitals, particularly at St. Luke’s General Hospital in Kilkenny. We need to get to the bottom of the cost per bed and what is actually required. I welcome the comments.

Is there any more information on the rapid-build process and how it might add capacity? Does the Minister have any detailed figures yet on what the cost per bed might be?

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