Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Acting Chairman for his indulgence. Such people will require a public bed in the hospital. Again, there was considerable discussion as to whether we have an adequate number of acute beds. However, there are now more than 13,255 beds in public acute hospitals, which constitutes an increase of 1,528 beds since 1997. I am glad to have the opportunity to put that figure on the record because it is not frequently mentioned in either public debate or in print. Clearly, the management of such acute beds is in turn a vital issue. The point was made by all sides of the House that a greater provision of step-down beds is required.

Hence, there is a great deal of practical agreement, irrespective of all the political smoke which members of the public are obliged to witness with regard to this issue. The Government has invested and is prepared to invest resources in this respect. It must also manage the major logistical issues involved. I welcome this debate and I thank Members for the spirit in which it was addressed.