John Perry
Question:197 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans he has to provide extra funding to the North-Western Health Board for the provision of extra beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17711/01]
Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.
As the Deputy is aware, I initiated a national review of bed capacity in both the acute and non-acute sectors, on foot of the commitment by Government in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. The review is being conducted by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance and in consultation with the social partners. The review is primarily focused on the emerging need to increase bed capacity and to have a strategic framework in place in terms of the number of additional beds required in the short, medium and longer terms. The findings of the review will be submitted to Government in the near future. The question of funding for the North-Western Health Board will be considered in the context of funding available and other competing demands.
Question No. 198 answered with Question No. 186.