Michael Harty (Clare, Independent)
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390. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to develop modular bed units at University Hospital Limerick to address the bed shortage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31404/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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My Department and the HSE are currently working to progress a proposal to increase bed capacity nationally in line with the recommendations of the health service capacity review.

As part of this process, I can confirm that the HSE is considering a submission by UL Hospital Group to develop a modular inpatient facility at University Hospital Limerick which will have capacity for up 60 additional inpatient beds.  A decision on this, as part of the broader work being brought forward by my Department and the HSE to increase bed capacity in advance of this winter and throughout 2019, will be made as soon as possible.

In addition, the National Development Plan includes provision for a 96-bed replacement ward block at UHL. I can confirm that the draft HSE Capital Plan for 2018 includes funding to progress the design phase of this project.

Michael Harty (Clare, Independent)
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391. To ask the Minister for Health the stage of development the new 96 bed permanent block at University Hospital Limerick is at; when he expects the project to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31405/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of capital developments in the public health service, my Department has asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly in relation to capital developments at University of Limerick Hospital.