Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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32. To ask the Minister for Health if ward 1A in University Hospital Limerick is to close in a number of weeks, which would result in the loss of 17 inpatient beds and add further pressure to the overcrowding situation in the hospital. [12171/19]

Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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This question follows on from Question No. 2, which was taken earlier. Having spoken to nurses' unions, I understand there is a concern that University Hospital Limerick will lose 17 inpatient beds in the coming weeks due to the closure of ward 1A. The Minister of State announced earlier that five additional beds are being provided under the winter programme. He also mentioned that 17 beds have opened in another ward. My understanding is that ward 1A is to be closed. The Minister of State might confirm whether this is the case.

Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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I outlined earlier that "an additional 23 beds have opened in Limerick, including five as part of this year’s winter plan". As the Deputy has said, 17 beds have been provided outside of that. I do not have the details of the closure to which the Deputy has referred.

Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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This question relates to the closure of 17 inpatient beds.

Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Is it okay with the Deputy if I come back to him on the particular question he is asking?

Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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That is fine.

Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The next available question is Question No. 36, in the name of Deputy Calleary.