Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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72. To ask the Minister for Health the proposals in place to tackle the increase in the number of persons on trolleys in St. Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43013/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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ED overcrowding is a priority issue for the Government. Last December I convened the ED Taskforce to assist in dealing with the challenges presented by ED overcrowding. Significant progress has been made to date on the ED Taskforce implementation. Additional funding of €117 million has been provided in 2015 to relieve pressures on acute hospitals.

In preparation for the 2015/16 winter period, hospital groups have provided comprehensive winter resilience plans to the HSE. This approach is intended both to avoid unnecessary admissions to acute hospitals and to expedite discharges from hospital efficiently. Following discussions between the Director General of the HSE and myself on how best to address ED congestion with all of the available resources, a National Directive has been issued under the terms of the Accountability Framework which sets out the mandatory minimum response required. The purpose of the Directive is to ensure that ED congestion is recognised as a key issue for the whole hospital, primary and community care services and that the response to such congestion is consistent across all acute hospitals.

In relation to the number of persons on trolleys at St Luke's Hospital Kilkenny, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.