Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

182. To ask the Minister for Health the current bed shortfall throughout the public health system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48441/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Work on the Health Service Capacity Review is continuing to progress. As I have previously stated, the Review will have a wider scope than previous exercises and will examine key elements of primary and community care infrastructure in addition to hospital facilities. A Steering Group is overseeing the project, with support from external consultants commissioned to provide technical, analytical and engagement expertise. An independent international peer review group is involved in ongoing review and validation of the methodology and approach. My Department has also undertaken a public consultation process to ensure that stakeholder views are fed into the process.

The findings from the Review will provide a basis for determining both the extent of capacity requirements, including bed numbers, over the next 15 years and the type of capacity that is needed at a national and regional level. The emerging findings from the review will inform the development of a new 10 year national capital plan later this year.

I expect to receive the final report of the Capacity Review by the end of the year.