asked the Minister for Health the progress which has been made in securing the removal of private medical consultants from Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9; the number of beds at present used by private patients of medical consultants; when it is expected they will be restored to public use; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Beaumont (Dublin) Hospital.
161.
Discussions are ongoing between officials of my Department, Beaumont hospital and representatives of the hospital consultants on the building of a private facility to include consulting rooms and in-patient beds. In the interim, consultants are leasing temporary consulting rooms in the hospital. There are 64 private and semi-private beds in the hospital.
Until such time as the discussions are complete, I am not in a position to state if and when these beds will be restored to public use.