Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 95: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of beds that were available on a hospital basis in 1997 within the public health service; the number in 2007; the number of public beds available for the care of the elderly in 1997; the number at present; if she is satisfied that sufficient progress has been made taking into account the increased number of aged people needing care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29177/07]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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The 1997 Survey on Long Stay Activity Statistics published by the Department records that there were 20,890 long stay beds in 1997 (10,179 public, 3,779 voluntary and 6,932 private). The report also provides a summary of individual long stay units. The corresponding total for 2005 was 21,478 long stay beds (7,699 public, 3,429 voluntary and 10,350 private). This data should be interpreted in the context of the survey response rates which vary from year to year (86.6% response rate for 1997 and 80% for 2005). The average number of available acute in patient beds (including day places) for 1997 was 11,731. This has increased to over 13,340 in 2005. Based on a total bed complement (including inpatient and day places) the provisional total for 2006 is 13,771. A copy of the relevant statistical reports has been posted directly to the Deputy. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised the Department that there are currently over 10,000 HSE public beds in residential care centres for older people nationally.

While the main emphasis will continue to be on providing supports that help older people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible, additional long-stay residential places will be required in the coming years to meet the needs of an ageing population. Last year, the HSE, in conjunction with Prospectus, undertook a Needs Assessment of bed capacity requirements in the areas of long-stay, dementia specific and respite care beds. This report was submitted to the Department of Health and Children in September 2006. While the report indicates a small national surplus of long-stay beds, it also notes that this surplus masks the uneven distribution of beds between and within regions. In particular, HSE Dublin North east and HSE South have an immediate requirement for additional beds. This shortage is being addressed by the Executive.

I have asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with information in respect of the number of beds available on a hospital basis for 1997 and 2007 within the public service as soon as it is available.