Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 98: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has satisfied herself that sufficient beds are being provided to meet demographic requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4227/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 141: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent to which efforts have been made to prevent the occupancy of hospital trolleys and the use of facilities other than standard beds in a hospital ward to cater for patients; the reason it has not been possible to provide the necessary beds and wards in line with requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4429/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 142: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of medical and surgical beds available throughout the country on any given day; the extent to which this is adequate to meet requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4430/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 98, 141 and 142 together.

The average number of acute hospital beds available in November 2004, the latest date for which complete figures are available, was approximately 13,400. A comprehensive review of acute hospital bed capacity needs, Acute Hospitals Bed Capacity — A National Review, was published by the Department in January 2002. The review helped to inform the Government's commitment to provide an additional 3,000 beds in acute hospitals by 2011 in the context of the health strategy. The review took account of projected demographic changes.

Since the publication of the bed capacity review, funding has been provided for an additional 900 beds in acute hospitals, 700 of which were in place at the end of January 2005. It is envisaged that the remaining 200 will open before the end of the year. This provision, along with actions being taken in respect of accident and emergency services, should have a significant impact on available bed capacity.