A national review of bed capacity in the acute and non-acute settings was initiated on foot of a commitment by Government in the programme for prosperity and fairness. This review involves the development of a long-term investment strategy for the acute and non-acute sectors and will include a detailed assessment of future bed requirements in response to increasing demand and changing demographics. The review is at an advanced stage and will be completed shortly. In addition, I would also like to point out to the Deputy that under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, this Government is committed to investing £1 billion for the development of acute hospital services including new facilities, re-equipping and additional capacity.
Private and semi-private beds have in recent years accounted for about 20% of total bed stock in the public hospital system. The public private mix in public hospitals is subject to a bed designation system whereby my Department's approval must be obtained by public hospitals to any increase in the designation of beds as private beds.