James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of acute hospital beds, both public and private, in each of the hospitals for 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25705/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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In 2001, the year of the publication of the Health Strategy, the average number of in-patient beds and day places available in the 53 public acute hospitals was 12,145, based on information supplied for the Department of Health and Children's Integrated Management Returns. At the end of 2005, this figure had increased by 1,199 to a total of 13,344, involving an additional 719 in-patient beds and 480 day places. This expansion of capacity represents an increase of 300 beds and places on average per year.

My Department will forward the detailed information on each hospital requested for 2005 directly to the Deputy.

During 2006 the Health Service Executive undertook an extensive survey of capacity across all acute hospitals, including in-patient beds, day beds and other treatment placements, on a speciality by speciality basis. I understand that the HSE intends to publish the results of the survey in the near future.

I have asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to supply the information requested by the Deputy for 2006 and 2007 directly to him as soon as it is available.