Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 241: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of beds which are available in general and emergency hospitals in 1997; the number which are available today; her views on the fact that with the wind down of bed spaces in hospitals such as Monaghan General Hospital and the increase in population nationally more accommodation needs to be provided within the public health care structure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4230/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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There has been no diminution in the number of acute hospital beds since 1997. The average number of inpatient beds and day places available in HSE network acute hospitals in 1997 was 11,727. The average number of inpatient beds and day places available in HSE network acute hospitals in December 2005, the latest date for which figures are available, was 13,255. 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.

An Agreed Programme for Government includes a commitment to expand public hospital beds in line with the health strategy commitment to increase total acute hospital bed capacity by 3,000 by 2011. Substantial investment in additional bed capacity in acute hospitals has already taken place. Funding has been provided to open an additional 900 in-patient beds or day places in public acute hospitals throughout the country. The Health Service Executive has informed my Department that at the end of 2005, 806 of these beds or day places were in place and the remaining 94 beds or day places will come on stream this year.

In addition, up to 450 acute beds or day places are in various stages of planning and development under the health capital programme. The Estimates for 2006 include €60 million to open new acute hospital facilities some of which will provide additional beds. I announced in July last year an initiative which will provide up to an additional 1,000 beds for public patients in public hospitals. My Department, in conjunction with the Health Service Executive, will be reviewing public capacity requirements in the acute hospital sector in the light of developments since the health strategy was published.

With regard to Monaghan General Hospital, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to reply directly to the Deputy.