James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 164: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if, with regard to the need for additional long stay beds for the elderly in the greater Dublin area, she is satisfied that the 300 long-stay beds for the elderly currently being developed in the Health Service Executive south represents an appropriate prioritisation of the resources allocated to the HSE; if the planned expenditure, as reflected in the high capital cost of each project represents value for money; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28052/08]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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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.

The report indicated among other issues the uneven distribution of beds between and within regions. In particular, HSE Dublin North East and HSE South were identified as having a requirement for additional beds.

In this context, proposals to progress individual projects are being pursued by the Executive under its annual Service and Capital Plans which are approved by the Minister for Health and Children. The Deputy has raised various specific issues in relation to the planned provision of long stay beds which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. Accordingly my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 165: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that an assessment of need for long-stay beds for older people was carried out in 2006; when the report on this assessment will be made public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28053/08]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that in 2006 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 for the period 2006-2036. This report was submitted to the Department of Health and Children in September 2006 and has informed proposals to expand capacity through the provision of 860 additional public beds under the Fast Track Bed Initiative over the period 2007-2009.

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.

The work is the subject of ongoing deliberations between the Department and HSE and feeds into the development of future policy and infrastructure in the area of long-term care services for older people. The report was commissioned by, and remains the property of, the HSE. I understand that it is commercially sensitive. However, its publication is a matter for the HSE and I am referring the Deputy's query to the HSE for direct reply.