Martin Ferris (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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317. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to prepare for the busy winter months at the emergency department at University Hospital Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38559/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Tackling overcrowding in EDs is a key commitment of this Government. An extra €30 million was made available to respond to winter pressures in 2017, with a further €40 million being provided in 2018.

I understand that preparations and planning for winter 2018-19 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.