Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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518. To ask the Minister for Health his plans for the 2018 winter initiative; and the additional resources which will be put in place for services in County Louth as part of the initiative. [37497/18]

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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519. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the claim by an organisation (details supplied) that the Health Service Executive cannot outline plans for the 2018 winter initiative; and the reason no plan has been outlined by the Health Service Executive to date. [37498/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 518 and 519 together.

Tackling overcrowding in EDs is a key commitment of this Government. I understand that preparations and planning have already begun at hospital and local level. My Department is working with the HSE to ensure that these local and regional plans are consolidated and supported through policies and plans at national level to ensure the most effective response to the winter challenges to unscheduled care provision.

Against this background, I am currently in the process of meeting with the chairs of the hospital groups and the chief officers of the community healthcare organisations to receive a briefing on their plans to respond to expected peak demand during the coming winter months.