Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 251: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of medical, surgical or other beds available throughout the health services in the public and the private sectors; the number in each sector now and five years ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46039/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The national average number of acute hospital beds available in public hospitals in 2007, the latest year for which verified data has been compiled by the HSE, was 13,688. This includes both in patient beds and day places. The national average number of acute hospital beds available in public hospitals in 2002 was 12,497. This shows an increase over the five year period of over 1100. No detailed breakdown of medical and surgical beds is available.

While neither the Minister for Health and Children nor the HSE has responsibility for the operation and management of private hospitals, from recent enquiries made by my Department of the Irish Business and Employers' Confederation (IBEC) I understand that in private hospitals which are members of IBEC there are currently approximately 2,300 inpatient beds and 450 day beds.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 252: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of hospital beds available throughout the winter months of 2009 particularly during peak periods in respect of colds, flus or other unforeseen illnesses in the private and the public hospital sectors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46040/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.