Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome everyone back. A lot of families have had bereavements in the past while, so I thank everyone for their sympathies in that regard.

I highlight the investment that has happened in my local area and the importance of doubling the bed capacity in Portiuncula University Hospital. It has been crucial. Almost 12 beds have been opened in the hospital. The single capacity is being doubled, which is especially important coming into the winter months. About two years ago, the management team in the hospital fought to have an area within the hospital repurposed to provide single beds. There are about eight single beds, and two double beds, with en suite access. This is crucial for infection control, not least coming into the winter months, and it is crucial that we look at investment in these hospitals that are going to be under pressure, particularly emergency departments. I acknowledge we can ask the Leader to arrange presentations from either the Minister for Health or the relevant Minister of State, but I hope the Minister for Health will come before the House to speak about the winter plan. I reiterate that we are seeing investment through the HSE capital plan for an expansion of the emergency department in Portiuncula hospital.