Vol. 531 No. 4
84 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children when it is expected that the review of bed capacity in the acute and non-acute sectors, which was promised in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5960/01]
A review of bed capacity was initiated in the acute and non-acute settings, on foot of the commitment by Government in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. The bed review is being conducted by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance in consultation with the social partners. I presented the interim findings of the review to my Government colleagues last year, as part of the estimates discussions for 2001, and identified a range of immediate investment proposals aimed at addressing identified service difficulties. Funding of £32 million has been approved on foot of phase one of the review to help alleviate service pressures and to maintain services to patients in the acute hospital sector, particularly over the winter period.
