Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 134: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of beds provided to date and the hospitals in each case in regard to the commitment given in the national health strategy to provide an additional 3,000 hospital beds; the projected number that will be provided before the end of 2005; the number of beds lost since 1997 in each such hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15320/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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On foot of the commitment in the health strategy, funding has been provided to open an additional 900 inpatient beds and day places in acute hospitals. Health agencies have informed my Department that at the 6 May 2005, 780 beds were in place. The Health Service Executive has informed my Department that the remaining 120 beds-places will come on stream during 2005. My Department will provide details separately to the Deputy.

There has been no overall diminution in the number of acute hospital beds since 1997. It is important to note that the numbers of beds available in any hospital may fluctuate over time depending on service demands and other factors such as seasonal closures and refurbishment. In addition, extra beds will be provided in the new acute medical units which I announced as part of the accident and emergency services package on the publication of the Estimates for 2005.