John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 208: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will consider new arrangements for accident and emergency services in order that those whose need does not stem from abuse of alcohol are seen in a separate unit from those whose presence in hospital is due to alcohol consumption; if such a change would involve any additional costs; if so, the amount of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14370/05]

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. Accordingly, my Department has requested the director of the National Hospitals Office to reply to the Deputy directly in relation to the issue raised.

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I announced a ten point plan aimed at improving the delivery of accident and emergency services on the publication of the Estimates for 2005. Additional funding of €70 million is available to the Health Services Executive this year for these initiatives, which include measures to allow for the discharge of patients from acute beds to a more appropriate setting. These measures are being progressed by the HSE as a matter of urgency.

On the specific information requested by the Deputy, my Department has asked the chief executive officer of the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 to 212, inclusive, together.

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 development of accident and emergency services in hospitals. Accordingly, my Department has requested the interim chief executive officer of the Health Service Executive to reply to the Deputy directly about the matter raised.