Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 157: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent to which beds or hospital wards are idle or unoccupied at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9731/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the use of hospital wards and beds. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Health Services Executive-National Hospitals Office to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.