Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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940. To ask the Minister for Health the interim arrangements planned to address the shortage of beds in the mid-west that is contributing to University Hospital Limerick having the highest number of persons waiting on trolleys in 2017, a trend that is continuing in 2018 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1025/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Tackling overcrowding in EDs is a key commitment of this Government and €30 million was made available for winter pressures in 2017 and a further €40 million in 2018 as part of the 2018 Budget.

I can assure the Deputy that all the Winter Plan measures funded by increased investment by Government, like increased access to home care, transitional care and diagnostics along with additional acute bed capacity, are being implemented to deal with the extra pressures our health service is experiencing. As part of these measures, I can confirm that 17 beds have already been opened at University Hospital Limerick.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.